Thistles and Nettles 3 1 9 



both thistles and nettles are guarded, with Nature's 

 utmost care, against pollen-thieves and grazing foes. 



Both have juicy stalks, and leaves toothsome to 

 vegetarian rovers. Both grow in uncultivated fields, 

 along roadsides, and in waste open spots where 

 grass is scarce, and where hungry cows and holi- 

 day-keeping horses are wont to wander, seeking 

 what they may devour. 



The thistle is saved from those who would eat 

 it up by a bristling armor of prickles, dismaying 

 to all animals except the donkey. That prover- 

 bially determined quadruped will not be turned 

 from his gastronomic purpose by little things like 

 these. Indeed, he seems to relish them as a pun- 

 gent addition, giving zest to his repast, much as 

 cayenne pepper and Chili sauce improve the din- 

 ner of the human gourmet. But to most animals 

 the prickles of the thistle and the stings of the 

 nettle are hurtful and repellent. " Weeds or 

 shrubs with juicy, tender leaves,*' says Grant Allen, 

 "are very apt to be eaten down by rabbits, cows, 

 and other wandering herbivores. But if any in- 

 dividuals among such plants develop any peculiar- 

 ities which prevent animals from browsing upon 

 them, then those particular plants will be spared, 

 while their neighbors are eaten. They will live 



