LIFE HISTORIES OF FAMILIAR PLANTS 



In the day of the ferns, the pollen- and nectar- 

 seeking insects had to make their advent ; and 

 from thence throughout the ages, b}^ their selective 

 agency, have been instrumental in moulding from 

 lowly types the complex floral structiues such as 

 we have glanced at in the earlier chapters of this 

 work. How well they have performed their 

 function only the evolutionary botanist can 

 properly appreciate ; however, I trust that this 

 little volume will help to make clear to the 

 general reader a few of the steps in that wonderful 

 process. 



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