PLANTS THAT BUILD AIRSHIPS 113 
which answers for both sail and rudder; the pine 
has each of its numerous seeds attached to a deli- 
cate parachute, and as the pine cone bursts open, 
each seedlet flies out into the big world attached to 
this protecting carrier. 
Another group of airship plants, like the clematis, 
reed mace, and numerous grasses, have feathery ap- 
pendages. 
The most exquisite and dainty balloons are used 
by the dandelions, milkweeds, common thistle, gold- 
enrods, daisies, and manifold others. In the 
autumn, when the dandelion’s seeds are ready to be 
sent forth into the world, each baby seed is securely 
attached to a fairy-like balloon, with delicate, vel- 
vety sails, and is so light that it can float for a long 
distance. The parent plant has also prepared to 
protect this marvellous structure until ready to send 
it forth with its precious treasure. In case of rain, 
before the little seeds are ready to leave the par- 
ent, there is a delicate brown shawl or wrapper 
entirely surrounding the myriads of tiny balloons 
which fold up, thus protecting the seed-children 
from the damp. 
All the summer ‘Mother Nature is busy prepar- 
ing her many children who must be sent out into 
the world alone. Some who are too timid to fly 
far enough, or who become tired because of weak 
