Contents 



species. This plan extended to Portugal and Egypt 

 with success. Grasshoppers killed by a fungus cul- 

 tivated for the purpose. Introduction into the United 

 States of the insect which fertilizes the Smyrna fig. 123 



ILES, GEORGE 



The Strange Story of the Flowers: a 

 Chapter in Modern Botany 



Dress is important, whether natural or artificial. 

 Because they catch dust on their clothes, bees, moths 

 and butterflies have brought about myriad espousals 

 of flower with flower. Colours and scents of blossoms 

 attract insects. A flower which in form, scent or hue 

 varies gainfully is likely to survive while .others perish. 

 All the parts of a flower are leaves in disguise. Floral 

 modes of repulsion and defence. Plants which devour 

 insects, a habit gradually acquired. The mesquit tree 

 tells of water. Plants believed to indicate mineral 

 veins. Seeds as emigrants equipped with wings or 

 hooks. Parasitic plants and their degradation. Ten- 

 ants that pay a liberal rent. The gardener as a creator 

 of new flowers. The modern sugar beet due to Mons. 

 Vilmorin 139 



Xll 



