THE MAPLE AND THE SYCAMORE. 133 



gyrates during its descent to the ground with a 

 rapidity that baffles the attempt to follow. It seems 



DOUBLE SAMARA OF SYCAMORE. 



like some queer insect in circular and downward 

 flight ; and when many are thrown up at once, the 

 busy wheeling becomes quite an entertainment. The 

 seeds of the conifers, when provided with the usual 

 wing, similarly circle downwards. A familiar natural 

 law is, of course, the explanation of this curious 

 spinning. At present we care to notice it only as 

 an illustration of the pretty charities with which 

 nature abounds, the child having its simple play- 

 thing provided, just as the philosopher has noble 

 ideas suggested, and the pious man happy reflections. 

 Few would suppose, until they come to be reckoned 

 up, how many of these little playthings our boys 

 and girls manage to find. The round, white head 

 of the dandelion, from which we blew the little ships 

 into the aerial sea, reckoning time, as they sailed 

 away, which the dial was never asked, this is but 

 one of a thousand toys that at the same moment are 

 miracles of beauty, inside as well as outside. Well 

 may we say "inside" in respect of the sycamore 



