142 THE GARDEN OF EARTH 



is that of the Hazel-tree, the pollen of which is not ripe 

 at the same time that the stigma is ready for it. So 

 the pistils' only chance is the bringing of pollen from 

 other Hazel-trees by friendly winds — ^from stamen-flowers 

 which happen to have ripened a little earlier. 



Oaks and Beeches, Poplars and Birches, Walnut-trees 

 and Plane-trees, most of the Conebearing-trees and most 

 of the Palms, have their pollen conveyed in this way from 

 one to another, with very little other assistance. The 

 same may be said of Grasses generally, of Rushes and 

 Reeds, of Wheat and Oats and Barley. All these manu- 

 ture pollen fine enough and dry enough to be carried 

 with ease by moving air. 



On a warm and fairly still evening in late summer, at 

 a time when pollen is ripe, clouds of it may sometimes 

 be seen floating over a meadow ; the stigmas being then 

 ripe to receive it. Each kind of grass must have its own 

 particular kind of pollen; and when supplies are dealt 

 out thus by the breeze in wholesale fashion, they natur- 

 ally get a good deal of the wrong kinds. But this does 

 not matter; for when the wrong kind is dropped on a 

 stigma it simply takes no effect. Some of the right kind 

 is pretty sure to find its way thither also. 



Each passing breeze, as well as stronger winds, takes 

 a share in the task ; helping first to stir the flowers, thus 

 loosening the imprisoned powder ; and then carrying it 

 where it is wanted. The number of different kinds of 

 plants, thus regularly assisted by the winds, is said to be 

 as much as ten thousand. 



But Wind is only one of the kind friends which come 

 to the help of plants. We have next to think about the 

 doings of Insects. 



