"And God said, Behold, I have given you every herb bearing seed, which is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree, in the which is the fruit of a tree, yielding seed; to you it shall be for meat."—Genesis i.
1141. Why is it understood that some plants feel?
Because the sensitive plant closes its leaves on being touched; the Venus's fly trap closes its leaves upon flies that alight upon them; others close upon the approach of rain, and at sunset, and open at sunrise, and turn towards the sun during its daily transit.
1142. Why is it understood that some plants move?
Because certain sea-weeds throw off undeveloped young plants, which move through the water by the aid of fine cilia, or muscular hairs, until they find a suitable place upon which to attach themselves.
The roots of plants will penetrate through the ground in the direction of water, and of favourable soil.