239 
that the ground has been manured with horse-dung, or at any rate ploughed 
by means of horses, who feed upon oats, and some of these have passed 
entire with the dung of that animal. 
The chesnuts and acorns , which drop around their parent plant, are 
transported and sown by the wild hoar , or domestic hog ; and the nimble 
squirrel , * with one in its mouth, or monkey , with its paws full as well as 
pouch, transport these far from their original habitations; as do also parrots 
and other birds , who in their flight from pursuing animals, or hawks, forget 
their prey, and drop them at a considerable distance from their original 
destination. 
Animals contribute to the dispersion of seeds in still another way. 
The seeds of many plants attach themselves to animals, especially qua¬ 
drupeds, by means of hooks , crotchets , or hairs , which are either affixed to 
the seeds themselves, as in Hounds-tongue (Cynoglossum), Mouse-ear 
(Myosotis), Vervain , Water-Hemp Agrimony (Bidens), and many others; 
to their calyx , as in Burdock (Arctium Lappa), Agrimony , Rhexia , Dock 
(Rumex), Nettle , Pellitory (Parietaria), Linnrea, fee.; or to the pericarp , 
or seed-vessel, as in Liquorice (Glycyrrhiza), Enchanter s Night-shade 
(Circlea), Cleavers (Galium Aparine), Triumfetta Bartrimia , Martynia , 
Pea-vines (Hedysara, of various species), not to mention many others. 
In this manner, there can be no doubt, many seeds are very extensively 
diffused over vast tracts of country. Thus, there are good reasons to be¬ 
lieve, says Barton, that neither common Hounds-tongue (Cynoglossum 
Officinale), nor Burdock , is a native of the United States: but both of 
these plants, which appear to have spread in the manner we have mentioned, 
are now to be seen in many even of the most remote parts of the Union. 
Thus it is that the face of Nature is replenished, and plants approach 
nearer to the animal kingdom by being as it were in some degree loco¬ 
motive. 
* “ Our Indians are of opinion that squirrels plant all the timber in their country: indeed, it must 
be allowed they are very active in this way. It has been asserted by Dr. Belknap of Boston, that 
the Striped Dormouse, or Ground Squirrel (Sciurus Striatus), previously to depositing in the 
earth its winter food, takes the precaution of depriving “ each kernel of its germ, that it may not 
sprout.” Were this a fact, it would be a wonderful mark of instinct; but I am certain that no such 
mutilation, in a variety of instances, is accomplished; and that, therefore, innumerable seeds that 
have been planted by squirrels, may, and actually do, grow into trees, and other vegetables.” 
Professor Bartow. 
