10 MYSTERIES OF THE FLOWERS 



a sense to include both pollination and fertilisation. 

 The mechanism of the flowers as explained by 

 Darwin is shown by the sketch, where bees are visit- 

 ing several flowers in succes- 

 sion and carrying the pollen 

 from the stamens of one to 

 the pistil of the next. 



For my own part I never 

 regretted the changed point 

 of view, for I found just as 

 much food for my imagina- 

 tion in studying the flowers 

 and the insects as they are, 

 eager, living things, striving 

 as we strive, flourishing in 

 spite of difficulties, and at- 

 taining to the beauty of per- 

 fect living. And for me the charm of some old 

 legend concerning a flower was but enhanced when, 

 in addition to it, I was able to unravel some secret 

 of its inner life, hidden in the fragrant recesses of 

 its heart. 



Instead of a fairy world, the realm of the flowers 

 may be said rather to resemble a busy modern town, 

 full of merchants, vying with one another in the 

 sale of their wares, and of buyers lured and tempted 

 to traffic. 



CRANESBILL 



