XX DISPERSAL AND PROTECTION 



the pulp passing on into the gizzard and the 

 seeds being thrown up. 



Many plants whose seeds are scattered by birds 

 grow along the fence rows. The significance of 

 this is apparent, the seed being dropped by the 

 bird as he rested upon the fence. 



The parallel between the interdependence of 

 the flower and the insect and that of the fruit 

 and the bird is striking. The flower sets forth 

 honey and sometimes a surplus of pollen for its 

 guests, its color decorations are arranged most 

 effectively, while often a subtle odor is a sign of 

 welcome or repulse to wandering insects. The 

 bee or other insect responds to these attractions 

 and duly regales himself. In return for the 

 hospitalities extended, he serves as the flower's 

 messenger, bringing to the pistil of the flower- 

 host pollen from a neighboring bloom, or bearing 

 away with him freshly gathered pollen grains to 

 deposit upon a near-by pistil. Cross fertilization, 

 by means of which more vigorous seeds are pro- 

 duced, is thus accomplished. 



Turning to the fruit, we find similar attrac- 

 tions offered to the birds. A pulp is usually 

 developed for food, an odor is sometimes pres- 

 ent, Ss in the case of the strawberry, grape, and 

 pineapple, and the different color schemes are 

 fascinating. 



