190 BEACH GRASS 



that in a region like Central America, where long- 

 necked flowers and hummingbirds abound, the 

 latter had universally adopted this short cut to 

 the food supply. The result would be disaster 

 not only for the flowers but for the birds. It is 

 evident that the flowers so pierced would not form 

 any more honey for future meals and would ul- 

 timately die. They would not be crossed-ferti- 

 lized, and even if they matured seed these might 

 prove infertile. It is conceivable that in this 

 way not only individuals but whole species of 

 flowers might perish, as well as the humming- 

 bird life dependent upon them. 



The forest as a robin roost is worthy of a few 

 words. I had been hunting for a name for my 

 farm and, when the scientific name of the robin 

 was changed from Turdus migratorius to Merula 

 migratoria^ I welcomed the euphonious title and 

 called my farm Merula Farm. I have kept the 

 name although the powers that be have seen fit 

 to change the name of the robin to Planesticus, 

 As if in acknowledgment of my choice, the robin 

 has been so good as to select my forest for its 

 roosting place at night. Hither they have come 



