158 



HUTCHINSON'S POPULAR BOTANY 



fruit-growers, but also that singular genus the Cordyceps^ several species 

 of which are parasitical upon insects, spiders, and their allies. Fig. 193 

 shows a West Indian Cordyceps (C. sphecocephala), which attacks a species 

 of Polistes or wasp. The wasps may frequently be seen flying about with 

 plants of their own length projecting from their bodies. Other well-known 

 species of the same family are Cordyceps entomorrhiza and militaris, which 

 sow themselves in and derive their nourishment from the bodies of larvae 

 or pupae buried in the soil or among dead leaves. A New Zealand species, 

 C. rcbertsii, popularly known as the "Vegetable Caterpillar," sometimes 

 reaches a height of eight inches (fig. 194). 



In reviewing the ground traversed in this and the preceding chapter, 



Photo by] IE. Step. 



FIG. 195. SXAKE'S-TONGUE FUNGUS (Cordyceps ophioglossoides). 

 This Cordyceps attacks another fungus the Hart Truffle (Elaphomyces variegatus) in our pine-woods. 



we think it will be conceded that the analogy between the economy 

 of the Vegetable and a well-regulated household has been sufficiently 

 established. We have observed the admirable manner in which the 

 multitudinous cells and vessels perform their allotted functions in 

 the general scheme, and the harmony of action which exists between the 

 several parts. We have seen how certain organs pump up the required 

 water, and others carry it ; how some are employed in getting rid of the 

 waste, while others elaborate the nutrient material, and others, again, 

 distribute the elaborated food through the plant, or store up the superfluity 

 for future use. 



Such, in brief, is the economy of the Plant. We have but touched the 

 fringe of the subject ; but what a subject it is ! How vast and inexhaus- 

 tible ! How incomprehensible and fathomless ! 



