[2434] This last assertion, Fée says, is far from true, in relation to the coniferous trees.
[2436] The Populus alba of Linnæus.
[2437] The Populus nigra of Linnæus.
[2438] The Populus tremula of Linnæus. This statement as to the leaves of the poplar is verified by modern experience.
[2439] This does not appear to be exactly correct as to the ivy. The leaves on the young suckers or the old and sterile branches are divided into three or five regular lobes, while those which grow on the branches destined to bear the blossoms are ovals or lanceolated ovals in shape.
[2440] It is not from the leaves, but from the fruit of the tree that this down falls; the seeds being enveloped with a cottony substance. This passage is hopelessly corrupt.
[2441] See B. xviii. c. 68, where he enlarges still further on this asserted peculiarity; he borrows his statement from Theophrastus, Hist. Plant. B. i. c. 16.
[2442] These statements are quite conformable with the fact.
[2443] This statement is quite true, so far as the fact that the leaves have not the same position in the day-time as during the night: the changes of position vary greatly, however, in the different kinds. It is generally thought that an organic irritability is the cause of this phenomenon.