SEED SOWING 



225 



sure upon the semi-fluid contents. The stem at- 

 tachment projects into the fruit like a stopper. 

 But when the fruit is quite ripe it separates from 

 this stopper, and through the hole thus opened the 

 compressed contents are ejected, and the seeds fired 

 a long way. 



I imagined, and fondly hoped 

 to find, that our wild balsam- 

 apple would display similar an- 

 tics, but I have studied care- 

 fully the odd, prickly fruit and 

 find that it clings to the vines, 

 but opens at the lower extrem- 

 ity to drop its slippery seeds 

 .upon the ground. 



We have now examined 

 many of the ways whereby 

 plants have spread. Flying, 

 jumping, clinging, swimming, they have travelled 

 incredible distances, and have sought out every 

 available spot from Pole to Pole. But not alone 

 by short and uncertain stages have they travelled. 

 The grandest and mightiest forces of Nature have 

 lent their aid to seed and plant distribution, and 

 by their operation we can explain some of the mys- 

 terious migrations of plants, and their appearance 



WILD BALSAM-APPLE 



