26 
NATURE NOTES 
this be touched with a point of a needle it gradually approaches 
the other lobe and resumes its normal position, but there are 
degrees of sensibility — some stigmas responding to the stimulus 
of touch, and others seeming to ignore it. Another novelty is 
Incarvillea Delavayii, belonging to the Bignoniacea. This has a 
stigma similar to Diplacus and Mimuhts, and on being irritated 
the stigmatic lobes at once close together, and as the surface of 
the stigma is not viscid, probably the motion is simply to retain 
the pollen-grains till they have burst and emitted their pollen- 
tubes. 
THE SNAIL PLANT. 
HE Snail Plant is a member of the group of Medics, 
which contain the unique Calvary Clover, the spring 
globular pods of which are so attractive because they 
can be made to represent a crown of thorns, and 
the leaves of which are spotted with “ blood,” as it were. 
The Snail Plant’s general character is sufficiently displayed 
Three different views of the seed-pods of the Snail Plant, which remarkably 
imitate snail-shells in size, colour and form. 
in my drawing from life. There is a close relationship between 
the foliage of Medics and the Clovers, as will be noticed. 
The yellow leguminous flowers of the former, though, generally 
grow singly or in pairs and triplets, instead of being grouped 
