TYPICAL FRUITS 



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(6) Select a branch of balsam or jewelweed having full- 

 grown pods. Touch one and note its behavior. How far 

 can the balsam pod throw its seeds. Compare it with 

 wistaria pods and with the so-called squirting cucumber. 



(c) Examine the fruits of burdock and clotbur. How are 

 they fitted for being scattered? Throw one against a piece 

 of cloth. Result? 



Compare them with sticktights, beggar-lice, and other 

 similar fruits. 



FIG. 100. A, maple ; B, ailanthus ; C, Ptelea. 



(d) Study all the others in like manner, making out the 

 peculiar method of seed dispersal employed by each. 



Queries. How are geranium seeds scattered ? How does 

 the basswood tree scatter its seeds? How do you ac- 

 count for the distribution of such fruits as apples, peaches, 

 and edible nuts which have no wings or barbs or the explo- 

 sive power to expel their seeds? 



