190 GLIMPSES INTO PLANT-LIFE 



last. Thus we find that if insects fail to effect 

 cross-pollination by means of the short and early 

 opened stamens, it is secured by means of the 

 longer stamens whose anthers are in close contact 

 with the stigma. Again, when we stand under a 

 sycamore tree, we may see that the green tassel-like 

 flowers are having their pollen dispersed both by 

 wind and bees. 



We cannot draw hard-and-fast lines in nature, 

 for although a special end may be kept in view, the 

 various means and adaptations by which it is 

 attained are a continual source of admiration and 

 wonder to the reverent student of nature. 



We have already seen that there are all kinds of 

 devices by which the pollen of one flower may be 

 made sure to reach the stigma of another ; but, if 

 by any means this crossing fails, if the weather is 

 such that insects are scarce, or other conditions 

 cause failure, then, in the case of many flowers, 

 most curious contrivances are provided to secure 

 seed by self-pollination. Triil)' this is one of the 

 most beautiful of God's wonders in floral construc- 

 tion. One of the gems of my own flower garden 

 is a lovely little Japanese toad-lily {'fricyrtis liirtii). 



