BINDWEED. 205 



edges, as in the lily of the valley ; if they 

 do not project, then we get a simple circular 

 rim, as in the bindweed. All the lovely 

 shcipes of bell-blossoms are simply due to 

 the natural coalescence of four, five, or six 

 petals ; and this coalescence is again due to 

 an increased certainty of fertilisation secured 

 for the plant by the better adaptation to 

 insect visits. Similarly, we know that the 

 colours of the corolla have been acquired as 

 a means of rendering the flower conspicuous 

 to the eyes of bees or butterflies ; and the 

 hues which so prove attractive to insects are 

 of the same sort which arouse pleasurable 

 stimulation in our own nerves. Thus the 

 whole loveliness of flowers is in the last 

 resort dependent upon all kinds of accidental 

 causes causes, that is to say, into which the 

 deliberate design of the production of beau- 

 tiful effects did not enter as a distinct factor. 

 Those parts of nature which are of such a 

 sort as to arouse in us certain feelings we 

 call beautiful ; and those parts which are of 



