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May 17th 1881. Mimosa pudica (Bloom of First true Leaves.)

Seedlings— young— one First true leaf alone formed, consists of single petiole with only 3 pairs of leaflets — Petiole very sensitive & falls when touched — leaflets sensitive (seedlings having been kept very hot & damp), but however much stimulated do not close quite close together like young leaves on older plants — The leaflets, however, place themselves vertically.— Bloom not so perfect on these leaves (on the seedlings), as on older plants, & I speak other comparison.— There is some silver, (ie layer of air) but rather variable in perfection on both sides; but less on lower than on upper side.— The lower side can be easily wetted by being shaken only a few times in cold water, & so can upper after a little more shaking — This does not happen with leaflets from older plants. (N.B It does not positively follow that there is any connection connection between imperfect closing together

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of opposite leaflets & imperfect bloom.—

Cots. no bloom & very little power of movement — (see my book).