the lower Leaves of the other Branches, which closed together in Pairs to the End of
each Sprig, with some little Distance of Time betwixt. But, next Day, all the Leaves
were spread out again on the other Sprigs ; on the Sprig where the Aqua-fortis had been
dropped, the Leaves, downwards, were also expanded, green, and closing upon the
Touch ; though all above f f, were dead and wither'd.
One of the Leaves, b b, was clipped off in the Middle with a Pair of Scissars, as quick
as it could be done ; whereupon that Pair, and the Pair above it closed instantly, as did
after a little Interval d d, e e, and all the other Pairs to the Bottom of the Sprig. The
Motion then began in the lower Leaves on the other Sprigs, and they shut themselves also,
by Pairs, upwards ; though not with such distinct Distances.
These Plants were so extremely sensible, that their Leaves closed at the Effluvia of a
strong-scented Oil, and likewise at the Smoak of Sulphur : The sun-Beams had also the
same Effect.
On cutting off a little Sprout, there issued from the Part whence it was cut, two?
three Drops of a clear bright greenish Liquor, tasting somewhat bitterish at first, but
leaving afterwards a Taste like Liquorice.
A Sprig whose Leaves were all shut, being plucked off, with Design to observe the
Liquor should come from it, none, even with pressing, could be found therein : Where-
upon another Sprig, whose Leaves were expanded, being pulled off as dexterously as pos-
sible, upon the closing of the Leaves, a little of the forementioned Liquor was obtained
from the End of the Sprig. This Experiment was tried twice, (which was as often as
the Plant could be robbed without Danger of killing it) and succeeded both times in the
same Manner.
The Doctor imagines a constant Communication between every Part of this Plant and
its Root, either by a Circulation of this Liquor, or a constant Pressure of its subtiler
Parts to every Extremity of the Plant ; and that the Motion and Closing of its Leaves are
occasioned by some Impediment, which the Touch of any Thing produces in such Circu-
lation or Pressure of the more subtile Parts of this Liquor. The Manner after which he
supposes this to be effected, is too long and inconclusive to be inserted here.
He says, the other two Plants never flagged, or hung down their Branches, nor?
their Leaves, but upon somewhat of a hard Stroke. Their Stalks grew up from the
Root, and were more herbaceous, being round and smooth, without any Prickles. The
Sprouts from them had several Pair of Sprigs, with seventeen Pair of Leaves (much smal-
ler than these on the Humble-Plant) most commonly on each Sprig.
There are many Species of the Sensitive Plant, that differ much in Size, Figure, and
Degree of Sensibility. We are told, that in the Passage of the Istbmus, from Nombre de
Dios to Panama, there is a Wood of Sensitive Trees, the Leaves of which, as soon as
they are touched, move with a rattling Noise, and close, and twist themselves together
into a winding Figure.
