PLANTS THAT ROB AND MURDER 65 
rootlet gradually establishes a union so close be- 
tween the host and the guest that the food of the 
host is easily stolen by the robber. Yet, the mistle- 
toe is not a real robber; for, while it absorbs the food 
of the host-tree during a large part of the year, 
during the winter months, when the tree has shed 
its leaves and is therefore unable to feed itself, the 
grateful guest actually contributes to the host food 
it has produced from the air and sunshine, and in 
this way partially repays it for past favours. 
Mistletoe has been a favourite for decoration 
since the earliest times. Many strange supersti- 
tions have been connected with it, and especially 
with its healing powers. Its nature is now so 
thoroughly understood that it may be cultivated 
easily by planting the sticky seeds on the branches 
of atree. Not only is it attractive for decorations 
indoors, but it is highly pleasing when seen among 
the branches of barren trees in winter. And in 
addition to its attractive appearance, it supplies 
food, by means of its small berries, for many kinds 
of song birds in the winter. Coming at a time 
when most fruits and berries are gone, it is doubly 
welcome. 
There are certain species of mistletoe which are 
wholly parasitic. There is a leafless mistletoe 
which is found on a leafless cactus. It grows 
