224 MYSTERIES OF THE FLOWERS 



pointed seed-vessel, resembling that of the garden 

 ochra on a very minute scale. Its five longitudinal 

 divisions are shown in our sketch of a cross-section, 

 and these open outward along their whole length. 



WOOD-SORREL 



The drying and shrinking of the seed-vessel 

 pinches the lines of seeds till they escape from 

 their contracting prison-cells, and seek freedom in 

 flight. 



In Europe grows a curious plant, a member of 

 the Gourd family, known 

 as the squirting cucumber. 

 I have never seen it, but I 

 find the description of its 

 antics exceedingly interest- 

 ing, as given by Kerner. 

 It is known to the botan- 

 ists as Ecballium elaterium. 

 The fruit is like a bomb 

 charged with seeds in a 

 soft, mucilaginous mass. In 

 the walls of the fruit is a 

 layer of cells under great 



SQUIRTING CUCUMBER . ... 



(After Kerner) tension, Which CXCrts 



