136 NATURE STUDY 



This is very common and specimens are readily obtained, and 

 the facts of its life ascertained. Here we have a plant that is not 

 completely parasitic as is the dodder. Its roots penetrate the 

 limbs of the tree host and draw nourishment from it. But it 

 bears leaves which take food from the air as do the leaves of other 

 plants. The seeds are covered with a sticky substance by which 

 they adhere to the bills or feet of birds and are thus carried to 

 the limbs of trees. The most conspicuous species in California 

 is the one growing on oaks. There is another less conspicuous 

 one with smaller leaves growing on the pines. Have the pupils 

 see by a cut section how the attachment of the plant is made 

 to the host. 



