PLANTS THAT BUILD AIRSHIPS 113 



which answers for both sail and rudder; the pine 

 has each of its numerous seeds attached to a deli- 

 cate parachute, and as the pine cone bursts open, 

 each seedlet flies out into the big world attached to 

 this protecting carrier. 



Another group of airship plants, like the clematis, 

 reed mace, and numerous grasses, have feathery ap- 

 pendages. 



The most exquisite and dainty balloons are used 

 by the dandelions, milkweeds, common thistle, gold- 

 enrods, daisies, and manifold others. In the 

 autumn, when the dandelion's seeds are ready to be 

 sent forth into the world, each baby seed is securely 

 attached to a fairy-like balloon, with delicate, vel- 

 vety sails, and is so light that it can float for a long 

 distance. The parent plant has also prepared to 

 protect this marvellous structure until ready to send 

 it forth with its precious treasure. In case of rain, 

 before the little seeds are ready to leave the par- 

 ent, there is a delicate brown shawl or wrapper 

 entirely surrounding the myriads of tiny balloons 

 which fold up, thus protecting the seed-children 

 from the damp. 



All the summer Mother Nature is busy prepar- 

 ing her many children who must be sent out into 

 the world alone. Some who are too timid to fly 

 far enough, or who become tired because of weak 



