68 THE IMITATION, IN CLOSED CASES, ETC. 
explained, and no method of closing the eases 
can prevent this from taking place. 
A few words respecting the importance of 
reflecting on what we see around us, will with 
propriety close the chapter.* 
The simple circumstance which set me to work 
must have been presented to the eyes of horti- 
culturists thousands of times, but has passed 
unheeded in consequence of their disused closed 
frames being filled with weeds, instead of cucum- 
bers and melons; and I am quite ready to confess 
that if some groundsel or chickweed had sprung 
up in my bottle instead of the fern, it might 
have made no impression upon me ; and again, 
after my complete success with the ferns, had I 
possessed the inductive mind of a Davy or a 
Faraday, I should, in an hour’s quiet reflexion, 
have anticipated the results of years. I should 
have concluded, that all plants would grow as 
well as the ferns, inasmuch as I possessed the 
power of modifying the conditions to the wants 
of each individual. 
* I was once honoured by a visit from a celebrated mathematician, 
who called to make inquiry concerning the management of plants in 
closed cases, as he had succeeded with some, but failed with others. 
He left me with these words. fi6 Come and see me. I can in some 
measure repay you in kind. I can make you do what you have made 
me do — think” 
