THE MARRIAGE OF PLANTS 177 
Phaleris, and, among the trees, in the beautiful red 
flowers of the larch. With plants that have incon- 
spicuous flowers, there is a compensation in the 
form of grace and elegance; for what can be more 
pleasing to the eye than the grace of slender grass- 
blades! 
A large part of the grasses are found on prairies 
and open plains, where the wind is always present 
to distribute their pollen. These flowers usually 
are delicately attached to the plants in the form of 
tiny spikes or swaying panicles, and the least breeze 
will hurl their precious gold-dust into the air. 
Many scientists believe that grasses are only de- 
generate lilies. 
There are multitudes of interesting and extra- 
ordinary instances of both courtship and marriage 
among plants. And in considering this plant court- 
ship and marriage there is one point which needs 
especial emphasis—a point which must necessarily 
be reiterated time and again in the consideration 
of the human side of plants. It is the existence of 
some guiding force, too impulsive to be mechanical, 
too versatile and efficient to be instinctive, which 
controls the actions and manners of plants in all 
the stages of their reproductive functions. There 
is an almost human sagacity in these actions: in the 
display of brilliant colours and soft perfumes to 
