Plant Defences 



79 



large supply of food is stored in the ungainly trunk faster than 

 the slender leafless twigs give it out. There is little waste, and 

 so the plant does not come to w^ant during the long droughts 

 that occur where this plant loves to dwell. As an example of 

 untidiness it is perfect. 



Crassiila semiorbmilaris and the Mesembryanthemums 



Fig. 8i. — Crassula semiorbiciilaris with densely packed leaves. 



shown in Figs. 82 and Zt^ testify that the heat is no excuse for 

 untidiness. They can lay little claim to grace, unless on the 

 ground that the most graceful is that which is best adapted 

 to its use. They are painfully neat in their housekeeping 

 arrangements, and instead of reducing their leaf surface after 

 the fashion of their neighbours in the western part of the 



