140 
CAMRUNGA. 
by it. It is singular, that notwithstanding this ap- 
parent sensibility of the leaf, large incisions may be 
made in it with a pair of sharp scissars, without oc- 
casioning the smallest motion ; nay, it may even be 
cut almost entirely off, and the remaining part still 
continue unmoved, when, by touching the wounded 
leaf with the finger or point of the scissars, motion 
will take place as if no injury had been offered. 
This is accounted for by supposing the leaf-stalk to 
be the only seat of sense and action : and this in- 
deed seems to be the case ; for although the leaf 
may be cut in the way we have just mentioned, and 
even squeezed with considerable force ; yet, if the 
impression made does not affect the leaf-stalk, no 
motion will take place. 
Whether the impression be made by puncture, 
percussion, or compression, the motion does not in- 
stantly follow : generally several seconds intervene, 
and then it is not by a jerk, but regular and gradual. 
Afterwards, when the leaves return to their former 
situation, which is commonly in a quarter of an 
hour or less, it is in so slow a manner as to be almost 
imperceptible. 
On sticking a pin into the base of the leaf-stalk, 
where it issues from the branch, the leaflet next 
it, which is always on the outer side, moves first ; 
then the first leaflet on the opposite side, next the 
second on the outside, and so on. But this regular 
progression seldom continues throughout ; for the 
outer leaflets seem to be affected both more quickly, 
and with more energy, than the inner ones ; and 
