128 LUTHER BURBANK 



"They grew sharp, needlelike thorns at first and placed 

 them at just the right angles to ward off meddlesome 

 tongues and teeth. They also placed bundles of very 

 tiny needles, more than ten thousand to each stem, be- 

 low and at the surface, where they were partially em- 

 bedded in the flesh. These were even more dangerous to 

 animals than were the larger needles, for they not only 

 produced great pain and inflammation, but often caused 

 death to the animals who ate the stems for food. 



"Wearing thorns had a tendency to change the disposi- 

 tion of my forefathers. They took on a fighting spirit, 

 and much of their former sweetness left them." 



Opuntia's tone grew serious, as he added, "Oh, if I could 

 only be as beautiful and useful as my people once were!" 



"No plant child can long remain here without becoming 

 both beautiful and useful," spoke the once bitter elder- 

 berry, that had been a long time in training, but was now 

 white and delicious as a grape. 



"We know that," came from a passion flower over the 

 way, as she waved her arms and nodded her starry crown. 

 "We know that; see the fine fruit we shall soon offer to 

 the world." 



The master came on his regular round to note what the 

 dear plant children had accomplished, and they all turned 

 to smile upon him, leaving the cactus child alone and 

 thoughtful. 



