36 WILD FLOWER FAMILIES 
to the blossoms by their bright color and feeding 
chiefly on the pollen, although some of them suck 
the nectar which is secreted in abundance on the 
sides of the pistils. Small bees and even large 
bumble-bees are also attracted by this supply of 
sweetness as well as by the golden pollen. Al- 
though self-pollination is possible, cross-pollina- 
tion appears generally to take place. 
For a century or more Marsh Marigolds have 
been utilized for “ greens” in America, having 
been commonly sold for that purpose under the 
name of “cowslips”? in Boston and New York 
early in the history of these cities. The name 
Cowslip, as applied to this plant, is incorrect, 
however, the English Cowslip being quite a dif- 
ferent species. 
These Marigolds are always beautiful but there 
are two situations where they appeal to one with 
especial force. One is when they outline the 
course of a shallow meadow run, appearing as a 
broad yellow stripe through the greening grass. 
The effect is distinctly decorative, poster-like in 
the simplicity of its outlines. The other is a pic- 
ture in the woods seen when, in the midst of a 
growth of sombre pines, one comes upon a glade 
sparsely interspersed with Alders, with broad- 
leaved grasses and sedges furnishing a charming 
canvas upon which Nature has painted the golden 
glory of the blossoms, that stand more erect and 
