PLANTS THAT ROB AND MURDER 65 



rootlet gradually establishes a union so close be- 

 tween the host and the guest that the food of the 

 host is easily stolen by the robber. Yet, the mistle- 

 toe is not a real robber ; for, while it absorbs the food 

 of the host-tree during a large part of the year, 

 during the winter months, when the tree has shed 

 its leaves and is therefore unable to feed itself, the 

 grateful guest actually contributes to the host food 

 it has produced from the air and sunshine, and in 

 this way partially repays it for past favours. 



Mistletoe has been a favourite for decoration 

 since the earliest times. Many strange supersti- 

 tions have been connected with it, and especially 

 with its healing powers. Its nature is now so 

 thoroughly understood that it may be cultivated 

 easily by planting the sticky seeds on the branches 

 of a tree. Not only is it attractive for decorations 

 indoors, but it is highly pleasing when seen among 

 the branches of barren trees in winter. And in 

 addition to its attractive appearance, it supplies 

 food, by means of its small berries, for many kinds 

 of song birds in the winter. Coming at a time 

 when most fruits and berries are gone, it is doubly 

 welcome. 



There are certain species of mistletoe which are 

 wholly parasitic. There is a leafless mistletoe 

 which is found on a leafless cactus. It grows 



