82 WONDERS OF PLANT LIFE 



In Britain a large number of our trees are 

 cross-fertilised by the agency of the wind, and 

 in no cases are the blossoms large or gaily coloured. 

 Most people must be familiar with the long hang- 

 ing catkins of the Hazel, which as they reach their 

 maturity are among the first signs of approaching 

 spring. These are, of course, only the male 

 organs of the plant, and it requires some searching 

 to find the clusters of crimson threads which 

 represent the stigmas. On a day when the 

 anthers have come to perfection the smallest 

 puff of air blows the pollen in little clouds through 

 the leafless branches, and a certain amount of 

 it is sure to find a resting-place on the female 

 organs and in this way to bring about pol- 

 lination. 



The Scots Pine presents a most striking 

 example of a tree which relies upon wind fertilisa- 

 tion. In the month of June, when the anthers 

 arrive at maturity, we may see the pollen hanging 

 over the branches in dense clouds. The dispersal 

 of the grain from the male flowers to the unde- 

 veloped female cones is facilitated by the fact 

 that the pollen is provided with minute wings. 

 At the time when the pollen floats away on the 

 breezes the ovules on the female cones exude a 

 sticky substance, which ensures the retention of 



