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BIOLOGY FOR BEGINNERS 



whose pod explodes when ripe; the witch hazel, which pinches 

 the seed between the open ovary walls till it shoots out; the tall 

 stalked mullein and poppy, which whip in the wind and sling their 

 fine heavy seeds far away are examples of this interesting type. 



FIG. 40. Seed distribution of Virgin's Bower (clematis). From Atkinson. 



Economic Importance of Fruits. So far as the plant is concerned, 

 the object of the fruit is to secure reproduction by providing the 

 enclosed seeds with protection and transportation. However, man 

 has learned to depend upon fruits for food and other uses, so 



