260 IN THE GUIANA FOREST. 



ripened thousands of fruit, which the birds have 

 carried far and wide, so that its progeny is almost 

 certain to be numerous. 



The fiddle-wood tree (Citharexylon) is commonly 

 cultivated for its deliciously-scented white flowers, 

 the perfume of which is diffused for long distances 

 in the evening. Like most white flowers, it is 

 fertilised by the agency of a moth, which is 

 attracted by the powerful odour in great numbers. 

 Its leaves are delicate as compared with so many 

 others that are either hard and dry, or thick and 

 leathery, and are therefore more subject to the 

 attacks of larvae. It appears that the same moth 

 which fertilises the flowers also deposits its eggs on 

 the leaves, with the result that in a few days after 

 these are hatched the tree is actually stripped bare. 

 As a rule, however, it puts out all its energies, 

 covers its branches with new foliage, and by the 

 time the moth emerges is covered with flowers 

 which afford nectar for its enemy or friend. Which 

 of these two names the moth should bear is almost 

 as difficult a question as any brought before a 

 debating club, as in the larval state it is undoubtedly 

 a pest, while later it is just as certainly an indispen- 

 sable helper. Probably as a friend it does most 

 good, for after all nothing is so essential to the 

 continuity of the species as the production of seed. 



