MOVING PLANT. 
185 
on the same leaf-stalk, consist of one of considerable 
size, which is long, and tapering to a point, besides 
two very small ones which are situated at the base 
i* 
of the other. The flowers are of the papilionaceous 
kind, and grow in clusters at the end of the stalk, 
producing a legume or pod that contains several 
seeds. 
The moving plant exhibits one of those pheno- 
mena which is calculated to arrest our attention, as 
much perhaps from the great singularity of the ap- 
pearance, as from any particular desire to discover 
the cause. The lateral leaves are in continual 
motion, without any regard to time, order, or di- 
rection. One leaf will frequently be agitated, while 
its opposite companion remains perfectly quiet ; 
some will move but little, while others are almost 
turned round. In the day-time the middle leaf is 
extended in a horizontal direction, but at night it 
declines and lies close to the branches. This is 
generally immoveable, while the lateral leaves are 
constantly in action. In India all the leaves are 
in motion at the same time, as it is there in full 
vigour, and has every advantage which its native 
soil and air can give it ; but in colder climates, 
where it is confined to the green-house, its move- 
ments are by no means so prompt, nor does the 
plant ever retain that action and vigorous motion 
which it enjoys in Bengal. It has been remarked 
that the general motion of the lateral leaves is alter- 
nate ; that it is the little petiole or footstalk, to 
which they are attached, that communicates the 
motion ; that the leaves describe the arc of a circle, 
