IOO [Proc. B.N.F.C, 



adaptations of the Balsams, plants having the generic name 

 of Impatiens, are worthy of note, the only British species 

 being Noli-tangere, Touch-me-not, where the fruits separate on 

 ripening, or where the balance of force within the fruit is 

 interfered with. They roll themselves violently up, hurling the 

 seeds to a distance of some yards, the efficacy of this method for 

 dispersal being evident from the widespread occurrence as weeds 

 of the cultivated varieties in our gardens. In alluding to the 

 methods of dispersing seeds by air, the lecturer illustrated by 

 simple examples the contrivances by which the seeds, fruit, or 

 entire plant, as the case may be, become buoyant and float on the 

 wind. The Rose of Jericho was given as an example of those 

 steppe plants which become detached from the soil during the dry 

 fruiting season and are readily blown about until moisture is 

 reached, when both branches and fruit-valves open out hygro- 

 scopically. Among those plants depending upon animal agency 

 for dispersal the fruit was either adapted for outside carriage — 

 viz., burrs and hooked structures — or inside carriage — viz., 

 succulent and brightly-coloured fruits, the seeds of such fruits 

 being rendered indigestible by a hardened outer coat. In the 

 former case hooks of every degree of size are met with, from the 

 small bristly hooks of the Enchanter's Nightshade to the thick 

 firm claws of the Harpoon fruit of South Africa, which buries 

 itself firmly in the hoof of any animal unfortunate enough to tread 

 upon it, and frequently drives the animal mad with pain. It has 

 even been known to have proved fatal to the lion. Fleshy fruits 

 attract animals to eat them only when the seeds are ripe. When 

 unripe they have a green colour resembling the foliage, and are 

 destitute of scent, but on ripening assume a conspicuous colour, 

 and emit a pleasant odour. Evergreens usually have red fruits, 

 which stand out boldly against the dark background of foliage, 

 and those plants whose leaves assume autumnal tints are provided 

 with blue and black fruits. As to how far fruits are advertised by 

 their scents, it is only necessary to think of the Strawberry, 



