FREAKS OF PLANT LIFE. 291 



CHAPTER XIV. 



DISPERSION. 



In many cases there is undoubtedly a close rela- 

 tionship between the form which fruits or seeds 

 assume, and the mode by which they are dispersed. 

 If it be true, as some contend, that the ultimate 

 object of every plant is its own perpetuation, then 

 the dispersion of the seed is an important operation, 

 which consummates all other acts, and it would be 

 anticipated that adequate provision would be made 

 to ensure its full attainment. This is certainly not 

 accomplished by any uniform method, but through 

 various agencies, and in a multitude of ways. We 

 shall be able in some cases to comprehend distinctly 

 how the operation is performed, whilst in others it is 

 more complex, and sometimes obscure. One agency 

 in dispersion is the wind, which wafts seeds that are 

 provided with wings to their destination. Another 

 agency is undoubtedly water in which they are 

 floated to a congenial spot. Another is the applica- 

 tion of local force, by elasticity or hygroscopy, by 

 means of which the seeds are forcibly expelled. 

 Another is specialised structure bv aid of which 



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