Thistles and Nettles 319 
both thistles and nettles are guarded, with Nature’s 
utmost care, against pollen-thieves and grazing foes. 
Both have juicy stalks, and leaves toothsome to 
vegetarian rovers. Both grow in uncultivated fields, 
along roadsides, and in waste open spots where 
grass is scarce, and where hungry cows and holi- 
day-keeping horses are wont to wander, seeking 
what they may devour. 
The thistle is saved from those who would eat 
it up by a bristling armor of prickles, dismaying 
to all animals except the donkey. That prover- 
bially determined quadruped will not be turned 
from his gastronomic purpose by little things like 
these. Indeed, he seems to relish them as a pun- 
gent addition, giving zest to his repast, much as 
cayenne pepper and Chili sauce improve the din- 
ner of the human gourmet. But to most animals 
the prickles of the thistle and the stings of the 
nettle are hurtful and repellent. ‘‘ Weeds or 
’ 
shrubs with juicy, tender leaves,’’ says Grant Allen, 
‘fare very apt to be eaten down by rabbits, cows, 
and other wandering herbivores. But if any in- 
dividuals among such plants develop any peculiar- 
ities which prevent animals from browsing upon 
them, then those particular plants will be spared, 
while their neighbors are eaten. They will live 
