154 On Flowers and Insects. 



altering in their structure, and in their geographical 

 distribution, we should naturally expect to find 

 such instances. Water continually tends to find 

 its own level ; animals and plants as constantly 

 tend to adapt themselves to their conditions. For 

 it is obvious that any blossom which differed from 

 the form and size best adapted to secure the due 

 transference of the pollen would be less likely to be 

 fertilised than others ; while, on the other hand, 

 those richest in honey, sweetest, and most con- 

 spicuous, would most surely attract the attention 

 and secure the visits of insects ; and thus, just as 

 our gardeners, by selecting seed from the most 

 beautiful varieties, have done so much to adorn our 

 gardens, so have insects, by fertilising the largest 

 and most brilliant flowers, contributed uncon- 

 sciously, but not less effectually, to the beauty ol 

 our woods and fields. 



