246 



THE GUIDE TO NATURE 



THE CALTROP IS REALLY FIENDISH. 



"barbs pointing backward from a ver\ 

 sharp tip, designed as a covering for 

 "the seed and to carry it in clothing 

 •or the fnr of animals and then to bury 

 it in the earth. The accompanying il- 

 lustration shows one of these barbs. 

 Attached to it is a long extension that 

 aids under certain conditions, espe- 

 cially under the influence of moisture 



in the air, in driving the seed into the 

 ground. 



One of the must fiendish of all meth- 

 ods is that of the caltrop that hides in 

 the sand. The sharp spears are so ar- 

 ranged that they point from every part 

 of the seed. One is always standing 

 erect. These thorns enter deeply into 

 the hoofs and soles of the animals that 



THIS COSEY HOME OF THE CHESTNUT REQUIRES A LARGE STANDING ARMY. 



