PROTECTION 57 



1. That there are no thorns, spines, or prickles to protect 



the plant. 



2. Bite into a leaf or stem, and taste the juice. Describe 



the taste. 



3. Offer, at some time when you can, some of these plants 



to a cow, and make notes of her actions. 



4. Observe whether cattle readily eat these plants in the 



pastures, or whether they leave them untouched. 



VII. Mention any plants found in your vicinity which 

 have poisonous juices, i.e. either to the touch or when eaten 

 by men or by cattle. 



VIII. Examine the leaves and stems of the common 

 Nettle and describe how this plant protects itself. 



IX. Examine the very woolly leaves of the Common 

 Mullein. Cut it across and notice : 



1. The thick covering of white hairs on each surface. 



Examine with the lens. 



2. Make a sketch of one of the cut surfaces to show this. 



3. How may this protect the leaf against insects or even 



grazing animals. 



X. Mention and describe many other ways in which 

 plants protect their foliage and tender stems from being 

 eaten ; such as, by placing it above their reach (consider the 

 giraffe as an animal especially adapted to feed on such 

 plants), or by growing too close to the ground, etc. 



XI. (a) Do plants need to protect themselves against 



any other enemies than grazing animals? If 

 so, from what? and how? 



(<) Sum up, briefly, the different ways by which 

 plants protect their foliage and stems from 

 being eaten. 



