302 
SENSITIVE PLANT. 
motions ; others think that its movements depend 
on a convulsive or spasmodic effort, while there are 
many, and those not the least rational, who consider 
all its actions as purely mechanical. To enter into 
discussions of this kind would lead us far beyond 
the limits of our undertaking ; we shall therefore be 
satisfied to leave the matter as it stands, and only 
contemplate the plant, as one of those natural won- 
ders which tend to lead us, by gentle and pleasing 
steps, to the knowledge of an all-powerful Creator. 
