TO SKliD:J. 303 



though somethnes it is barbed, or at least 

 its covering, as in Stipa, EngL But. t. l3o(i, 

 that it may not easily be withdrawn again 

 by the poM-erful feathery appendage of that 

 ^lant, which after having by its circumvo- 

 lutions forced the seed deeper and deeper, 

 breaks off at a joint, and flies away. 



The various modes by which seeds are 

 dispersed cannot fail to stril.e an observing 

 mind with admiration. Who nas not list- 

 ened in a calm and sunny day to ths 

 crackling of Furze bushes, caused by the 

 explosion of tlivjir little elastic pods ; nor 

 watched the down or nniumerable seeds 

 floating on- the summer breeze, till they 

 are overtaken by a shower, which moisten- 

 ing their wings stops their further flight, 

 and at the same time accomplishes its final 

 purpose, by immediately promoting the 

 germination of each seed in the moist earth? 

 How little. are children aware, as they blow* 

 away the seeds of Dandelion, or stick 

 Burs in sport upon each other's clothes, 

 that they are fulfilling one of the great 

 ends of Nature ! Sometimes the Calyx, 

 beset with hooks, forms the- bur, as ia 



