In vegetation, for instance, saps ascend for the purposes of fructification and usefulness; and, reasoning from the analogies of the vegetable world, it is far more probable that tails have ascended into brains than that brains have descended into tails; and, consequently, that men are much more likely to be an improvement on monkeys, than monkeys an improvement on men." I spoke with warmth, I know; for the doctrine of Dr.Reasono was new to me; and by this time, my esprit de corps had pretty effectually blinded reflection.
"You gave him a red-hot shot that time, Sir John," whispered Captain Poke at my elbow; "now, if you are so disposed, I will wring the necks of all these little blackguards, and throw them out of the window." I immediately intimated that any display of brute force would militate directly against our cause; as the object, just at that moment, was to be as immaterial as possible.
"Well, well, manage it in your own way, Sir John, and I'm quite as immaterial as you can wish; but should these cunning varments ra'ally get the better of us in the argument, I shall never dare look at Miss Poke, or show my face ag'in in Stunin'tun." This little aside was secretly conducted, while Dr.Reasono was drinking a glass of eau sucre; but he soon returned to the subject, with the dignified gravity that never forsook him.
"Your remark touching saps has the usual savor of human ingenuity, blended, however, with the proverbial short-sightedness of the species.
It is very true that saps ascend for fructification; but what is this fructification, to which you allude?
It is no more than a false demonstration of the energies of the plant.

For all the purposes of growth, life, durability, and the final conversion of the vegetable matter into an element, the root is the seat of power and authority; and, in particular, the tap-root above or rather below all others.

This tap-root may be termed the tail of vegetation.

You may pluck fruits with impunity--nay, you may even top all the branches, and the tree shall survive; but, put the axe to the root, and the pride of the forest falls." All this was too evidently true to be denied, and I felt worried and badgered; for no man likes to be beaten in a discussion of this sort, and more especially by a monkey.

I bethought me of the elephant, and determined to make one more thrust, by the aid of his powerful tusks, before I gave up the point.
"I am inclined to think, Dr.Reasono," I put in as soon as possible, "that your savans have not been very happy in illustrating their theory by means of the elephant.