PERSONALITY OF PLANTS 
of the woods. It toils not, neither does it make 
plant starch, but it is able to produce pretty, 
ghostly flowers and white scale-like leaves. On 
its roots thrive species of Fungi which perform 
the part of root hairs and in return receive 
nourishment from their host. Certain authori- 
ties claim that the Fungi get the better of the 
bargain, as the Monotropa has been known to 
maintain its health without them in laboratories. 
But the fact is the relation does exist with un- 
disputed benefit to both parties. 
Beech Drops germinate in contact with roots 
of the Beech tree, attach themselves there and 
raise yellow, seared stems covered with scales 
instead of leaves but bearing perfect flowers. 
The Broom-Rapes get their nourishment from 
the roots of Tobacco and Hemp in the same 
way. 
Prominate among the larger parasitic plants 
is the Dodder or Devil’s Thread. This vine 
derives all its sustenance from other plants and, 
as far as can be determined, gives no material 
return. From this standpoint, the Dodder is 
a robber pure and simple, a degenerate outcast 
from the community of decent plants. From 
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