CHAPTER VII. 



HIDE AND SEEK. 



Even when the numerous devices in vogue among 

 flowers have gained the end for which all floral 

 structures are striving — the production of seeds — 

 there still remains the necessity for the seeds to be 

 disseminated. The plant and its seeds are in the 

 position of such cities as ancient Carthage, whose 

 limited area of occupation rendered it imperative the 

 increase of population should periodically emigrate 

 to other quarters. Otherwise the increasing numbers 

 would have killed each other off, by famine or pesti- 

 lence, in the mutual endeavour to subsist. Nearly 

 all plants adopt a similar policy ; but, as seeds can 

 rarely travel themselves, they are obliged to seek 

 external aid in migrating and emigrating, and this 

 necessity has developed devices for dispersion of the 

 most varied kinds. When fruits and seeds are 

 studied in this light, we are better able to under- 

 stand the reason why there should be such an 

 enormous variety, in shape, size, and colour. 



