330 PLANT-LIFE 



but they consume only the succulent parts, and in 

 rejecting the seeds assist in their dispersal. Should a 

 bird happen to swallow a seed of any of these species it 

 is passed undigested through its body. We may con- 

 clude that the climbing habit of the Wild Rose, or the 

 scrambling tactics of the Bramble, have relation not 

 merely to the quest for light and air, but also to display 

 of flowers and fruit; the display of the former attracting 

 pollinating insects, and that of the latter securing the 

 notice of birds as seed-dispersers. No one should sur- 

 mise that the display referred to is evidence of special 

 sagacity on the part of the plants. Their habit has 

 evolved under environmental stimulus and inherent 

 tendency, and because of their habit it chances that 

 they give something to birds which, in accepting the 

 gift, quite unconsciously do the plants a service. Their 

 habit, unquestionably, is a powerful factor of their 

 success in the struggle for existence. 



Animals other than birds also chance to assist plants 

 in fruit and seed dispersal. A squirrel may take heavy 

 toll of nuts. We know it lays up a hoard against hard 

 times, and the hoard may be divided, parts of it being 

 hidden in various places in the woods. Some of the 

 nuts hoarded in this way may never be eaten, and so be 

 left to germinate, while others are dropped during con- 

 veyance to the hiding-places. A few nuts dropped in 

 different places will, on germination and growth, do 

 much to perpetuate the species, for a single plant will 

 eventually yield a great harvest of fruit. A Hazel-tree 

 can afford to provide squirrels with a food-supply. It 

 gives out of its abundance, not its penury, and if only 

 two or three seeds are borne away, but not eaten, they 



