78 THE CRIMSON TOPAZ. 



of a parasite chooses the mora to subsist 

 upon. 



The fig-tree is about the size of our 

 English apple-tree, and it shoots forth 

 from one of the thick branches of the 

 mora near to the top. 



When the figs are ripe, they yield a rich 

 harvest to the birds. Crowds of birds 

 flock round them, and to this very circum- 

 stance the fig-tree owed its existence. 



A bird dropped the seed of the fig-tree 

 on the branch of the mora. It had been 

 feasting on some neighbouring figs, and 

 had perched on the mora to digest its 

 banquet. 



Up to this time the mora was flourish- 

 ing in all its luxuriance ; but the seed 

 dropped by the bird sent out its rootlets 

 into the branches, and began to draw 

 nourishment from the sap. 



The sap caused it to grow with vigour 



