136 THE GARDEN OF EARTH 



Animals also give some help. When sheep and cows 

 and many smaller beasts press against bushes and hedges 

 in autumn days, seeds are apt to cling fast to their hairy 

 or woolly or furry coats, and to be carried to a good 

 distance. Ducks, disporting themselves at the edge of 

 a pond, and becoming half-clothed with mud, will bear 

 away seeds in that mud, to deposit them elsewhere. 

 Even birds flying even some insects give their aid in 

 much the same fashion ; one and all helping to scatter 

 seeds broadcast. 



