The Seed's Travelling Outfit 



149 



seed which fits into the woody cavity is rough. The seeds 

 are so weighted that they fall rough side down. Hold them 

 under water and the rough side glistens with air that is held 

 in the crevices. The projections help secure a foothold and 

 carry air for the young plant's needs. 



Many of the Compositae fruits are scattered by a tuft of 

 hairs. This is the calyx, and is known as pappus. (See 

 Fig. 165.) 



Fig. \(ib.— Clematis fruits with their feathery styles ready for a journey. 



Clematis, or Traveller's Joy, seeks"; fresh fields by means 

 of the long hairy styles, which bear the ovaries away. The 

 fruits of Pelargonium are carried in a similar manner. 



When a farmer sows his seed it falls any side down, but 

 Nature is more careful in her ways. The long styles of 

 Protea, the winged seeds of Hackea^ the parachutes of the 

 Milk Weeds and of Urospermu?ti, so nicely balance the fruits 

 that they come to rest with the radicle pointing downward. 

 The styles of Er odium and other members of the Geranium 

 family coil tightly and screw the seed into the ground. 

 Breathe on these pretty fruits and see how the dampness 

 causes them to uncoil. Watch them as they dry. 



