156 THE BEAUTIES OF NATURE CHAP. 
MIMICRY 
In many cases plants mimic others which 
are better protected than themselves. Thus 
Matricaria Chamomilla mimics the true Cham- 
omile, which from its bitterness is not eaten 
by quadrupeds. Ajuga Chamepitys mimics 
Kuphorbia Cyparissias, with which it often 
grows, and which is protected by its acrid 
juice. The most familiar case, however, is 
that of the Stinging and the Dead Nettles. 
They very generally grow together, and 
though belonging to quite different families 
are so similar that they are constantly mis- 
taken for one another. Some Orchids have a 
curious resemblance to insects, after which 
they have accordingly been named the Bee 
Orchis, Fly Orchis, Butterfly Orchis, etc., but 
it has not yet been satisfactorily shown what 
advantage the resemblance is to the plant. 
ANTS AND PLANTS 
The transference of pollen from plant to 
