ARMORED AGAINST ITS 

 ENEMIES 



The spines of a cactus are so 

 arranged as to protect every inch of 

 surface. In addition to the large 

 bristling spines which fan out in every 

 direction, there is hidden behind each 

 rosette a bundle of smaller spines, 

 numbering hundreds to each eye. 

 When the outward spines are re- 

 moved, these push their way forward 

 with surprising vigor. The form of 

 cactus in the accompanying picture 

 illustrates the fact that away back in 

 history the cactus may have had round 

 stalks instead of flat slabs. 



