THE MARRIAGE OF PLANTS 177 



Phaleris, and, among the trees, in the beautiful red 

 flowers of the larch. With plants that have incon- 

 spicuous flowers, there is a compensation in the 

 form of grace and elegance ; for what can be more 

 pleasing to the eye than the grace of slender grass- 

 blades! 



A large part of the grasses are found on prairies 

 and open plains, where the wind is always present 

 to distribute their pollen. These flowers usually 

 are delicately attached to the plants in the form of 

 tiny spikes or swaying panicles, and the least breeze 

 will hurl their precious gold-dust into the air. 

 Many scientists believe that grasses are only de- 

 generate lilies. 



There are multitudes of interesting and extra- 

 ordinary instances of both courtship and marriage 

 among plants. And in considering this plant court- 

 ship and marriage there is one point which needs 

 especial emphasis a point which must necessarily 

 be reiterated time and again in the consideration 

 of the human side of plants. It is the existence of 

 some guiding force, too impulsive to be mechanical, 

 too versatile and efficient to be instinctive, which 

 controls the actions and manners of plants in all 

 the stages of their reproductive functions. There 

 is an almost human sagacity in these actions : in the 

 display of brilliant colours and soft perfumes to 



