8i6 Handbook of Nature-Study 



now? From these observations explain how the stamens place their 

 anthers in the pockets. How do the filaments grow into bent springs? 



6. Are the anthers open when they are still in the pocket ? Look at an 

 anther with a lens and tell how many slits it has. How do they open ? Are 

 the pollen grains loose when they are thrown from the anther? How are 

 they fastened together? Does this pollen mass stick to whatever it 

 touches ? 



7. What is the use to the flower of this arrangement for throwing 

 pollen? What insects set free the stamen-springs? Where is the nectar 

 which the bee or moth is after ? Can it get this nectar without setting free 

 the springs ? Touch the filaments with a pencil and see how far they will 

 sling the pollen. 



8. Describe the pistil in the open flower. Is the stigma near the 

 anthers ? Would they be likely to throw their pollen on the stigma of their 

 own flower? Could they throw it on the stigmas of neighboring flowers? 



9. How does the fruit of the laurel look? Does the style still cling 

 after the corolla falls? Describe the fruit-capsule. How does it open? 

 How do the seeds look ? Are there many of them ? 



ID. Where does the mountain laurel grow? What kind of soil does it 

 like? Do you know any other species of laurel? If so, are they found in 

 the same situations as the mountain laurel? . 



"A childish gladness stays my feet. 



As througli the winter woods I go, 

 Behind some frozen ledge to meet 



A kalmia shining through the snow. 



I see it, beauteous as it stood 



Ere autumn's glories paled and fled, 

 And sigh no more in pensive mood, 



'My leafy oreads are all dead.' 



I hear its foliage move, like hells 



On rosaries strung, and listening there. 

 Forget the icy wind that tells 



Of lurfless fields, and forests bare. 



All gently with th' inclement scene 



I feel its glossy verdure blend; — 

 / bless that lovely evergreen 



As heart in exile hails a friend. 



Its boughs, by tempest scarcely stirred. 



Are tents beneath whose emerald fold 

 The rabbit and the snowbound bird 



Forget the world is white and cold. 



And still, 'mid ruin undestroyed. 



Queen arbor with the fadeless crown. 

 Its brightness warms the frosty void. 



And softens winter's surliest frown." 



— From "The Mountain Laurel" Theron Brown. 



