INGENUITY IN VARIATION 143 



on the ground among other vegetation where the 

 distribution of seed becomes a problem, grows a 

 seed pod of seven inches or more in length. 



Its seed pod, while maturing, is incased in a 

 pulpy covering with a thick green skin, and its 

 bulb and hook suggest some kind of gourd. 



When the seeds within are mature, the outside 

 covering splits and peels away, disclosing a seed 

 nest which is armored with spines as thickly as 

 a prickly pear. That which, during its early 

 stages, formed the hook, now spreads into two 

 branches with pointed ends as sharp as needles. 



Between these four-inch hooks, where they 

 join the spiny bulb behind them, there appears 

 a hole from which the seeds, if loosened from 

 their former pulpy support, may, by pounding 

 and thumping, find their way one by one out into 

 the world. 



As the seed pod lies on the ground, its sharp 

 hooks coiled in exactly the right position, it 

 awaits a passing animal. This spring trap may 

 remain set for many months, but once an animal, 

 large or small, steps between those fishhook 

 points, their mission is with great certainty ac- 

 complished. The first slight kick or struggle to 

 get away, imbeds them more deeply, and at each 

 succeeding struggle the hooks bite in, and in, 

 until finally the animal starts to kick and run. 



