Masterpieces of Science 



in plenty, and although as far as that goes it is 

 well, it is not enough. Of what avail is all this 

 seed if it falls as it ripens upon soil already over- 

 crowded with its kind? Hence the vigorous 

 emigration policy to be observed in plants of 

 every name. Hence the fluffy sails set to catch 



the passing breeze by 

 the dandelion, the 

 thistle and by many 

 more, including the 

 southern plant of 

 snowy wealth whose 

 wings are cotton. 

 With the same intent 

 of seeking new fields 

 are the hooks of the 

 burdock, the unicorn 

 plant, and the bur- 

 parsley which im- 

 press as carriers the 

 sheep and cattle upon 

 a thousand hills. 

 The Touch-me-not 

 and the herb Robert adopt a different plan, 

 and convert their seed-cases into pistols for the 

 firing of seeds at as wide range as twenty feet or 

 more. The maple, the ash, the hornbeam, the 

 elm and the birch have yet another method of 

 escape from the home acre. Their seeds are 

 winged, and torn off in a gale are frequently 

 borne two hundred yards away. And stronger 

 wings than these are plied in the cherry tree's 

 158 



Maple Seed, with pair of 

 wings 



