SOME GROUPED FLOWERS 57 



Each tiny blossom would have a small chance in 

 attracting insects; but, grouped together, their color 

 and fragrance summon myriads. Indeed, they are 

 so crowded with all sorts of creeping creatures 

 that sometimes it is hazardous to introduce them 

 into one's house, no matter how much one may 

 admire their decorative effect. If you examine each 

 tiny flower, you will see that it is quite perfect. The 

 five sepals touch each other to form a protection 

 around the honey glands, for the lower part of the 

 petal is a mere claw. It broadens at the top and 

 curves toward the center like a hood. The stamens 

 seem to wish to avoid any protection from the 

 petals, for they grow long and hang quite outside the 

 floral envelope. No matter what type of creature 

 touches the Ceanothus, it is going to be splashed 

 with pollen. And so delectable is the refreshment 

 the Ceanothus offers that no creature will leave 

 without accepting the hospitality of several blos- 

 soms. 



With so much aid so honestly earned, very good 

 seeds are made. You perhaps have noticed the 

 many new plants springing up around the mother 

 bush. Does the plant arrange for the seeds getting 

 any distance from their natal place? What birds 

 have you found eating these seeds? 



The name Ceanothus means "a spring plant," 

 referring to its early beauty and fragrance. The 



