178 :©otans 



number must be produced in order that enough shall 

 survive to be mature seed and develop plants. 



The plant then secures its continuance by means 

 of vast numbers of seeds. Advancing further in the 

 scheme of vegetable preservation, in order to secure 

 favorable localities for growth, the plant forms part- 

 nerships for seed distribution, as it did for the fer- 

 tilization of the ovules. 



Who are the chosen partners ? Not insects. In- 

 sects are enemies of the seed, although allies of the 

 flowers. The first partner chosen is the wind. The 

 wind carries abroad all seeds provided with wings or 

 sails, and small seeds light enough to be swept out 

 of their scales, or open cases, by a brisk breeze, and 

 be by it scattered abroad. 



Another partner is the Avaters. What thousands 

 of cocoanuts and other tropical fruits, provided with 

 waterproof cases, have been carried by the waves to 

 clothe with verdure waiting islands. How are the 

 tribes of lilies and rushes and arrow-plant, and sedge, 

 and a hundred others, distributed by the waters of 

 streams. From island to island, from continent to 

 continent, from stream to stream, lake and pond, go 

 the water-carried fruits of the earth, with their bless- 

 ings and their beauty. 



Animals are inveigled into partnerships by 

 plants. Many seeds, notably those of red sorrel, 



