Seed- Scattering 255 



means which vary according to the carriers upon 

 which they depend for locomotion. 



Those which are carried by the wind, for example, 

 have elastic spines, wings, feathery tails, down, hairs, 

 all of which help to speed them on their way, and 

 make it more easy for them to be raised in the air, or 

 blown along the ground. 



Generally as the lower part of the pistil ripens, the 

 upper part withers, having done its work of conveying 

 pollen to the ovules. But sometimes the pistil-stalk 

 remains attached to the ovary, and is turned to a fresh 

 use. In the wild clematis, for instance, so far from 

 withering it grows, and not only lengthens out but 

 becomes silky and feathery, ready to catch any puff of 

 wind, and very easily carried through the air. When 

 it drops, the heavier end, the ovary with its seed, 

 naturally touches the ground first, and is caught at 

 last, perhaps after two or three journeys, in damp soil 

 or moss, or some crack in the earth. 



In the dandelion, it is the upper part of the calyx 

 which enables the seed to float through the air. A 

 dandelion blossom is composed of many small florets, 

 each having its own calyx and pistil. The lower part 

 of each pistil is entirely enclosed in its own small 

 calyx, and inseparably united with it. The upper part 

 of this calyx is divided into fine feathery hairs, which 

 at first form a crown to the ovary, and look as if they 

 grew from it. But later, as the ovary ripens, this 

 crown is pushed upwards on a fine stalk, and looks 

 like a miniature parachute, or an umbrella turned 

 inside out, and it catches the wind as easily, the merest 

 breath being enough to float it. 



We need not do more than mention the down of the 



