LIFE HISTORIES OF FAMILIAR PLANTS 



of course, see my point ; if the leaves of the wild 

 orchis present a superficial resemblance to such 

 animals they also will be avoided. 



Seeing that without its leaves the orchis could 

 produce neither tubers nor flowers, it is obvious 

 that, in the dangerous situations in which it grows, 

 the leaves need the greatest possible protection. 

 The method of protection adopted is a most novel 

 one, but, nevertheless, one perfectly in keeping 

 with the advanced characteristics and adaptations 

 of this up-to-date plant. 



As I have previously mentioned, to some my 

 suggestion may seem more imaginary than real, 

 and to such I would further say that probably this 

 protection was once of much greater value than it 

 is to-day, as at one time snakes and other reptiles 

 were much more abundant than at the present time. 

 And it is also interesting to note that some near 

 relatives of the spotted orchis, have similar brown- 

 spotted leaves, and amongst all these spotted 

 species examples are frequently found which are 

 almost spotless ; which fact, it may be, points to 

 the conclusion that the plants are now losing their 

 spots, as such protection is no longer of value to 

 them. (See Note on p. 142.) 



Again, still more advanced types of the same 

 family group are entirely without spots. Finally, 

 it would not be remarkable if the leaves of these 

 plants should bear a superficial resemblance 

 to some animal form. There are innumerable 

 known instances of animals resembling their sur- 

 roundings, and also of animals mimicking by re- 



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