34 MYSTERIES OF THE FLOWERS 



sects of many sorts arrived on the scene, as we know 

 from the fossil remains of them preserved in the 

 rock-formations, and simultaneously with them ap- 

 peared "real" flowers. Then began the business 

 of insect-fertilisation, with all its invitations and 

 visits, its ceremonies and subterfuges. The imper- 

 fect flowers of earlier times were not wholly super- 

 seded, but vast numbers of perfect flowers were 

 developed, combining stamens and stigma in one 

 showy corolla, made more alluring by its colour, 

 nectar and fragrance. 



When I speak to you of a "flower" there prob- 

 ably flashes into your mind the image, not of a 

 pine-cone, nor of a cat-tail, though these are flow- 

 ers, but that of a rose, a lily, or a poppy — some 

 bright, regular flower, with the pistil as a centre, 

 surrounded by stamens and enclosed in a cup or 

 fringe of petals symmetrically disposed. They are 

 wide open to every comer, and attract hosts of 

 insects. 



Windflower; Wood-anemone — Anemone quinquefolia 



April- June 



The beautiful little star of the early spring gives 

 welcome and holds open house to the bees and bee- 

 like flies of the genus Bomhilius. 



