36 WILD FLOWER FAMILIES 



to the blossoms by their bright color and feeding 

 chiefly on the pollen, although some of them suck 

 the nectar which is secreted -in abundance on the 

 sides of the pistils. Small bees and even large 

 bumble-bees are also attracted by this supply of 

 sweetness as well as by the golden pollen. Al- 

 though self-pollination is possible, cross-pollina- 

 tion appears generally to take place. 



For a century or more Marsh Marigolds have 

 been utilized for " greens " in America, having 

 been commonly sold for that purpose under the 

 name of " cowslips " in Boston and New York 

 early in the history of these cities. The name 

 Cowslip, as applied to this plant, is incorrect, 

 however, the English Cowslip being quite a dif- 

 ferent species. 



These Marigolds are always beautiful but there 

 are two situations where they appeal to one with 

 especial force. One is when they outline the 

 course of a shallow meadow run, appearing as a 

 broad yellow stripe through the greening grass. 

 The effect is distinctly decorative, poster-like in 

 the simplicity of its outlines. The other is a pic- 

 ture in the woods seen when, in the midst of a 

 growth of sombre pines, one comes upon a glade 

 sparsely interspersed with Alders, with broad- 

 leaved grasses and sedges furnishing a charming 

 canvas upon which Nature has painted the golden 

 glory of the blossoms, that stand more erect and 



