CATKINS 



out a tuft of Willow seeds, and put them in the sun. 

 They seem as if they were alive, pushing one another 

 away, and slowly expanding into a great fluffy mass, 

 which is easily wafted to a distance by a light current 

 of air. The spreading out of the pinch of hairy seeds is 

 due to the fact that each seed bears a crown of hairs, 



FIG. 28. Pistillate 

 flower of Willow. 

 Magnified. 



FIG. 



fruit 



29. Ripe 



of Willow, bursting. 

 Magnified. 



which lie close while the seeds are in the pod, but 

 stand out like rays or spokes as they dry. It is easy 

 to see the advantage to the Willow of getting its 

 seeds spread out into a ball so light in proportion to its 

 surface that any wind of summer can blow it far over 

 the fields. This is a common contrivance, but almost 



