LATHRjEA SQUAMARIA (THE TOOTHWORT). 

 A species which is parasitic on Hazel roots. 



CHAPTERS IN PLANT LIFE 



III— THE PLANT AS A HOST 



By S. LEONARD BASTIN 

 With Photographs by the Author 



APART from the food and slu'lter 

 ^ provided by vegetation to animal 

 life, one is not perhaps accustomed 

 to think of the plant in its character as 

 a host. Yet the question of entertaining 

 guests enters largely into the existence 

 of many species, and is a much more 

 important matter than might at first be 

 supposed. In considering the relations 

 of the ffower and the living agents which 

 carry the pollen, we sliall see h(^w well 

 the plant is able to reward those wiUing 

 to render the required aid, but on the 

 present occasion it is proposed to consider 



some far more intimate alliances. In 

 some cases it is possible to show that the 

 connections are of direct benefit to both 

 the parties concerned — the plant pro- 

 viding housing, and even food, in return 

 for services rendered. Other instances are 

 more puzzling, in that although the plant 

 does nt)t appear to deri\e any advantages 

 from its guests, yet it is wilhng to tolerate 

 their presence, and even make some 

 provision for their welfare. Finally, we 

 find the plant as an unwiUing host, with 

 exacting visitors quartered upon it whose 

 demands may be ])uslu'd to such an 



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