Much attention has been given of late to noting the behavior of plants and seeds in connection with what seems to be their own immediate good; and a free rein has been given to the imagination in pursuing this path in natural science. In Geranium, Stipa and some others, the dry styles or long awns are hygrometric, and twist or untwist according to the humid conditions of the atmosphere. This has been regarded as an adaptation for screwing the seed into the ground. In falling to the earth the feathery apex will, of course, cause the heavier seed to fall perpendicularly to the ground. But just how the coiling of the awns could screw the seed into the ground without something denser than the atmosphere for the end of the spiral to press against has presented a difficulty to the mechanical mind, and has led some to doubt whether the real secret of the adaptation has been exposed. If correct, it would seem that Dundreary's idea, that the " tail might wag the dog," is not unreasonable. However, Prof. Beal has recently published an account of some experiments with Stipa sparta seeds. He finds that the seeds set perpendicular to the surface do bury themselves in the earth.

The exact mode of their doing it is not explained. - Independent.