THE WELCOMES OF THE FLOWERS 



127 



employ. Here he comes, 

 eager for the fray. He 

 alights upon one of the 

 tiny bells scarce half the size of 

 his body. Creeping down be- 

 neath it, he inserts his tongue 

 into the narrowed opening. In- 

 stantly a copious shower of dust 

 is poured down upon his face and body. But he 

 has been used to it all his life, and by heredity 

 he knows that this is Andromeda's peculiar whim, 

 and is content to humor it for the sweet recom- 

 pense which she bestows. The nectar drained, the 

 insect, as dusty as a miller, visits another flower, 

 but before he enters must of necessity first pay his 

 toll of pollen to the drooping stigma which barely 



