260 Seed-Scattering 



quantities of earth are sometimes found perfectly 

 enclosed ; and from the earth thus entangled in the 

 roots of an oak, Mr. Darwin was able to grow three 

 plants. 



But again, there is another way in which seeds may 

 escape contact with water: dead birds, having seeds 

 in their crops, may now and then escape being devoured, 

 and may be floated long distances by river or ocean- 

 currents ; and, as many seeds retain their vitality after 

 being in a bird's crop for thirty days, some may be 

 conveyed in this way from time to time. 



The so-called ' goose-wheat ' of Canada was first 

 sown from grain found in the crop of a wild goose 

 which was shot on its way, probably from Alaska, or 

 the Russian settlements on the other side of Behring's 

 Straits. Migratory geese invariably take to the stubbles 

 when on their way to the south in autumn, and many 

 or most of them would probably be found to have grain 

 in their crops, though the chances of its getting planted 

 are small. In this case, however, the 'wild-goose 

 barley,' as it is also called, has become a permanent 

 colonist, and is still grown in Saskatchewan. 



