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In some recent investigations on germinating dodder Cuscuta Gronovii, we have observed an interesting fact in regard to the manner of separating itself from the soil which we have not found mentioned elsewhere-
When the plant has reached something adapted to its needs as a parasite -Forsythia viridissima in our observations-it winds about it- loosely, at first, then after the manner of a tendril quickly contracts bringing its coils close to the [Last] that the haustoma, may penetrate the bark.
This contraction pulls up the root leaving it loosely hanging by the [Last] sometimes half an inch above the soil, where it withers and dries.
Botanical Lab.-Mt. Holyoke Sem.- Feb.17, 1888