SEED SOWING 215 



cruel, we must seek some explanation that shall 

 show these toxic berries to be of actual service to 

 the plant in its struggle for existence. A very 

 plausible theory is that the poison kills birds and 

 small animals in order that the seeds shall grow 

 in a soil enriched by the decaying carcass. 



There are not as many poisonous fruits in our 

 region as some people imagine. A bulletin issued 

 by the United States Government on the subject 

 mentions but three to be avoided: namely, the 

 nightshade, Jimson-weed, and bittersweet, but 

 omits to mention Jack-in-the-Pulpit, which is said 

 to be poisonous to birds, if not to man, and should 

 never be risked. The purpose of the poison in 

 Jack's particularly gorgeous berries is singularly 

 interesting. Jack-in-the-Pulpit, as we all know, 

 loves to dwell in moist places, and he wants his seeds 

 to be scattered in swamps and near river-brinks, 

 and he seems to know that birds who eat poisonous 

 seeds will be very thirsty, will seek the waterside 

 for drink, and, perhaps dying there, will thereby 

 plant his seeds in a most favourable location. 



Nuts may roll down the hillside, or be carried 

 by freshets to new localities, but undoubtedly a vast 

 number of walnuts, chestnuts, and acorns are 

 planted by squirrels. These little animals, besides 

 forming winter stores, have a way of planting nuts 



