HO]V TO KNOW THE WILD FLOWERS 



in the neighborhood had drifted to its shore, is probably an 

 example of this class, without lurid color, but certainly with a 

 sufficiently noisome smell ! Yet this foul odor seems to answer 

 the plant's purpose as well as their delicious aroma does that of 

 more refined blossoms, if the numberless small flies which it 

 manages to attract are fitted to successfully transmit its pollen. 



Certain flowers are obviously adapted to the visits of in- 

 sects by their irregular forms. The fringed or otherwise con- 

 spicuous lip and long nectar-bearing spur of many orchids point 

 to their probable dependence upon insect agency for perpetua- 

 tion ; while the papilionaceous blossoms of the Pulse family also 

 betray interesting adaptations for cross-fertilization by the same 

 means. Indeed it is believed that irregularity of form is rarely 

 conspicuous in a blossom that is not visited by insects. 



The position of a nodding flower, like the harebell, protects 

 its pollen and nectar from the rain and dew; while the hairs in 

 the throat of many blossoms answer the same purpose and ex- 

 clude useless insects as well. 



Another class of flowers which calls for special mention is that 

 which is dependent upon the wind for its pollen. It is interest- 

 ing to observe that this group expends little efl'ort in useless 

 adornment. ''The wind bloweth where it listeth " and takes 

 no note of form or color. So here we find those 



"Wan flowers without a name," 



which, unheeded, line the way-side. The common plantain of 

 the country dooryard, from whose long tremulous stamens the 

 light, dry pollen is easily blown, is a familiar example of this 

 usually ignored class. Darwin first observed, that ''when a 

 flower is fertilized by the wind it never has a gayly colored co- 

 rolla." Fragrance and nectar as well are usually denied these 

 sombre blossoms. Such is the occasional economy of that at 

 times most reckless of all spendthrifts — nature ! 



Some plants — certain violets and the jewel-weeds among 

 others — bear small inconspicuous blossoms which depend upon 

 no outside agency for fertilization. These never open, thus 



xxvi 



