196 



GLIMPSES IX TO PLANT-LIFE 



its surface a chequered network and delicately 

 sculptured patterns. 



The forms, too, are as varied as the ornamenta- 

 tion. 



Some plants have triangular grains, some oval- 

 shaped and others many-sided. 



I have given a few examples, and would 



POLLEX-GKAIXS. 



1 Morinn. 2 Colvn. 3 Coirroh'iihis. 4 Diiuitliuf. 5 Finns. 

 I> Aliiiccd. 7 Hiiplitluiliiiinii. 



specially call attention to the pollen-grains of 

 the Pinus tribe (fir-trees), to which I alluded in 

 the last chapter. These are remarkabl}' buoyant, 

 owing to the two little bladders with which they 

 are furnished. 



Now we are going to watch this yellow dust 

 performing its appointed office in the central 

 organ of a flower. In order to do so we will take 



