XV 



PLANTS THAT CARRY LIFE INSURANCE 



IN the plant kingdom, as in the human, the idea 

 of preparing for a rainy day, and also of pro- 

 viding for the protection of offspring, has led to 

 the plants' highest and noblest development. Men 

 carry life-insurance policies so that in case of death 

 their families will be protected, and their children 

 be given a fair chance for success in life. Life 

 insurance with them, however, is of comparatively 

 recent origin; but with the vegetable kingdom it is 

 not so: for countless centuries the plants have been 

 familiar with all forms of insurance. It is by 

 means of their wonderful experiences, through this 

 long period of ups and downs, failures and suc- 

 cesses just as in the life of human kind that 

 they have gained their remarkable social and po- 

 litical, as well as religious and spiritual understand- 

 ing underneath all of which there must be a divine 

 wisdom ! 



Every plant at its death leaves a legacy to its 

 offspring. This legacy is usually in the form of 

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