36 WILD FLOWER FAMILIES 



to the blossoms by their bright color and feeding 

 chiefly on the pollen, although some of them suck 

 the nectar which is secreted in abundance on the 

 sides of the pistils. Small bees and even large 

 bumble-bees are also attracted by this supply of 

 sweetness as well as by the golden pollen. Al- 

 though self-pollination is possible, cross-pollina- 

 tion appears generally to take place. 



For a century or more Marsh Marigolds have 

 been utilized for " greens " in America, having 

 been commonly sold for that purpose under the 

 name of " cowslips " in Boston and New York 

 early in the history of these cities. The name 

 Cowslip, as applied to this plant, is incorrect, 

 however, the English Cowslip being quite a dif- 

 ferent species. 



These Marigolds are always beautiful but there 

 are two situations where they appeal to one with 

 especial force. One is when they outline the 

 course of a shallow meadow run, appearing as a 

 broad yellow stripe through the greening grass. 

 The effect is distinctly decorative, poster-like in 

 the simplicity of its outlines. The other is a pic- 

 ture in the woods seen when, in the midst of a 

 growth of sombre pines, one comes upon a glade 

 sparsely interspersed with Alders, with broad- 

 leaved grasses and sedges furnishing a charming 

 canvas upon which Nature has painted the golden 

 glory of the blossoms, that stand more erect and 



