124 THE GARDEN OF EARTH 



And since it is tied to one spot, and cannot possibly 

 travel for what it needs, it is compelled to make use 

 of other means. How this is done will come later. 



Many years ago the Variegated Laurel was introduced 

 into our country from Japan; but only the pistil- 

 bearing kind came. So none of the bright red berries, 

 admired by travellers, were seen here. After a while 

 the other and stamen-bearing kind was brought too; 

 and speedily red berries made their appearance all over 

 England. This illustrates the absolute necessity for 

 pollen, before the pistils can produce seeds. 



IV — Plant Storage 



As the young seed grows it needs food; and the 

 parent-plant has to see that the hungry young ovules 

 and seeds are properly supplied. Shut up as they are 

 inside the ovary, unable to get out, they can do nothing 

 for themselves. So the roots and leaves must keep them 

 going. 



Three different kinds of plants are commonly known : 

 those which live one year only and then die, called 

 Annuals ; those which live two years and then die, called 

 Biennials; and lastly those which live many years, 

 called Perennials. 



The two first are alike in a single respect, that they 

 flower only once. But the one-year kinds have a much 

 shorter time in which to complete their task ; so they are 

 obliged to " hurry up " with it. 



All that they have to do must be done in one season — 

 the growth of the plant itself from a seed ; the forming 

 of roots, of stems, of leaves, of flowers, of seeds. The 

 roots have to gather in food; and the leaves have to 



