COLONIZATION 331 



suflfice for the replenisliment of some parts of the earth 

 with the Hazel species. 



The stems and leaves of the Goose-Grass {Galium 

 afarine) are furnished with flinty hooks, by which the 

 plant is enabled to clamber over other vegetation. The 

 fruits of the plant are furnished with similar hooks, by 

 which, sometimes to our annoyance, they readily adhere 

 to our garments; they also cling to the fur of animals 

 and the feathers of birds. The animals which run 

 through the hedgerows, or brush by them, can hardly 

 avoid these cutely devised fruits, which will cling to 

 their hair until rubbed off elsewhere. Thus, the fruits 

 and seeds are dispersed, and there is no wonder that the 

 plant spreads so rapidly. The Herb Bennet, or Wood 

 Avens {Geum urbanum), crowns its seeds with hooked 

 awns, which become entangled in the fur of passing 

 animals in the expectation of being removed on ground 

 some distance from the parent plants. The fruit of the 

 Burdock [Arctium Lappa) is also furnished with hooks. 

 In a moment of play we may assist the species, quite 

 unintentionally, by throwing the " burs " at a com- 

 panion. They adhere to one's clothes, and may be 

 carried some distance before being removed. In Nature, 

 animals are instrumental in the dispersal of the fruits of 

 this plant. The fruits of the Hound's-Tongue (Cyno- 

 glossum officinale) are covered with curved prickles, 

 and are also well adapted for animal dispersal. 



Man, also, and generally without deliberate intention, 

 is a seed-distributor. Seeds of various plants become 

 involved in his merchandise and accompany it by 

 road, rail and water. Alien plants are thus introduced 

 into various parts. Railway banks are happy hunting- 



