58 THE HUMAN SIDE OF PLANTS 



rein, the Regia is more than repaid for the sup- 

 port she gives to her standing army. 



One of the most interesting features of pond 

 life are smaller water-lilies. Their broad leaves 

 are the floating homes of myriads of tiny animal 

 life of both the water and the air. Young frogs 

 hold concerts on them; and tiny fishes seek shelter 

 in their shadows. 



Of course, the fact that plants maintain for their 

 support or protection other forms of life than their 

 own is shown in every form of plant life that 

 exists. 



The bees which carry pollen may be called the 

 servants of the flowers; the birds which swing 

 among the branches of the fruit-trees are constantly 

 fighting in behalf of the tree, thus protecting its 

 young and undeveloped seeds from ravaging in- 

 sects; the very snakes and toads, hiding among 

 the grasses, protect those grasses from harmful 

 grubs; and in each instance the insect or animal is 

 serving or protecting the plant, is filling the posi- 

 tion of servant or soldier to that plant. 



However, no service in plant life, as in the world 

 of human beings, is without its remuneration. The 

 animal gives to the plant, but the plant also gives 

 to the animal. If the bee carries pollen for the 

 flower, the blossom yields of its sweet honey to his 



