INTELLIGENCE OF FLOWERS 



anism; for there is not, so to speak, a single seed but has 

 invented for its sole use a complete method of escaping from 

 the maternal shade. 



It would, in fact, be impossible, if one had not practised 

 a little botany, to believe the expenditure of imagination and 

 genius in all the verdure that gladdens our eyes. Consider, 

 for instance, the pretty seed-pipkin of the Scarlet Pimpernel, 

 the five valves of the Balsam, the five bursting capsules of the 

 Geranium. Do not forget, upon occasion, to examine the 

 common Poppy-head, which we find at any herbalist's. This 

 good, big head shelters a prudence and a foresight that de- 

 serve the highest praise. We know that it holds thousands 

 of tiny black seeds. Its object is to scatter this seed as dexter- 

 ously and to as great a distance as possible. If the capsule 

 containing it were to split, to fall or to open underneath, the 

 precious black dust would form but a useless heap at the foot 

 of the maternal stalk. But its only outlet is through apertures 

 contrived right at the top of the capsule, which, when ripe, 

 bends over on its peduncle, sways like a censer at the least 

 breath of wind and literally sows the seeds in space, with the 

 very action employed by the sower. 



Shall I speak of the seeds which provide for their dissemi- 



[ 27] 



