32 THE GARDEN OF EARTH 



III A LADDER OF LIFE 



Now as we climb we have to leave behind us these 

 lowest and simplest forms of Vegetable life. Passing 

 up two or three more rungs, we find ourselves soon 

 among the company of Lichens. 



Many a time, when looking at some old cottage or 

 barn, we have noticed on the roof a curious yellow 



1. MUSHROOM, SHOWING " GILLS." 



2. GILL PLATE IN SECTION, showing spore-bearing cells SBC. 



colouring. Also on some aged wall we have seen a 

 number of different tints, brown or grey or reddish, 

 looking like stains. All these were due to Lichen-plants, 

 and were actual vegetable-growths, flourishing where no 

 other kinds could find sustenance. 



Sometimes in a wood we light upon a piece of grey 

 Lichen, looking much like a dried seaweed, and seeming 

 as if it were dead. But it is not a seaweed, and it is not 

 dead. 



As we continue to mount the ladder, rung by rung, 



