280 



FLASHLIGHTS ON NATURE 



indeed, than the soft, close covering of fur in 

 the young pods, which gives them almost the 

 appearance of miniature ducklings. No insect 

 can penetrate it ; and if only the first few days 

 pass by without serious mishap, the gorse may 

 count upon maturing its seeds in peace and quiet- 

 ness. 



They ripen in the first basking warmth of 

 July, or often earlier. As soon as they are ready 



for dispersal, the bush 

 has a device for scatter- 

 ing them and sowing 

 them in proper places 

 for their due germina- 

 tion, which is quite in 

 accordance with its 

 other proceedings. 

 Gorse, indeed, is a very 

 explosive species. It 

 knows the full value of 

 the propulsive habit. 

 The valves of the pods 

 remain straight and 



rigid after the beans have ripened ; but the sides 

 contract, only the ribs or thickened edges keeping 

 them extended in their places. At last, on some 

 very sunny morning, the baking heat dries them 

 up to such a point that they can no longer hold 

 together. They curl up suddenly and violently, 

 as you see in No. 12, and expel the beans, shoot- 

 ing them out like little bullets all over the common. 

 If you happen to sun yourself on a gorse-clad 



NO. II. THE POD, WITH THE 

 BEANS WITHIN IT. 



