_Plant in Texas_ (Vol. iv., pp. 208. 332.).--In turning over some papers
I found the following paragraph:
"Major Alvord has discovered a singular plant of the Western
Prairies, said to possess the peculiarity of pointing north and
south, and to which he has given the name of Silphium Laciniatum.
No trace of iron has been discovered in the plant; but, as it is
full of resinous matter, Major Alvord suggests that its polarity
may be due to electric currents."