forward towards the pistil, touch the stigma with the 
anther, remain curved for a short time, and then 
partially recover their erect position. This is best 
seen in warm dry weather. After heavy lain the 
phenomenon can scarcely be observed, owing, in all 
probability, to the springs of the filaments having 
been already set in motion by the dashing of the 
rain upon them, or to the flowers having been for- 
cibly struck against each other. The cause of this 
curious action, like that of all other vital phenomena, 
is unknown. All that has been ascertained concern- 
ing it is this, that the irritability of the filament is 
affected differently by different noxious substances. 
It has been found by Messrs. Macaire and Marcet, 
that, if a Barberry is poisoned with any corrosive 
agent, such as arsenic or corrosive sublimate, the 
filaments become rigid and brittle, and lose their 
irritability ; while, on the other hand, if the poison- 
ing be effected by any narcotic, such as prussic acid, 
opium, or belladonna, the irritability is destroyed 
by the filaments becoming so relaxed and flaccid, 
that they can be easily bent in any direction. It is 
difficult to draw from this curious fact, any other in- 
ference than this, viz., that in plants, as well as in 
animals, there is something analogous to a nervous 
principle, which is more highly developed in some 
plants, or in some organs, than in others. 
Under section 172 of the Auctarium, a notice of 
several species will be found ; Glumacia, Repens, 
and Aquifolium, are especially mentioned, andUm- 
bellata may be included with them, as a most desiia- 
ble evergreen species; throwing up suckeis, when 
well-established, and flowering with much freedom. 
