34 
THE AMERICAN BOTANIST. 
vent possible extinction, though most plants advocate cross-fertil- 
ization, fearing that the more simple method proves degenerating. 
Sometimes this careful forethought is a family distinction, as in 
the case of some of the milk-worts. For instance, the prudent 
Poly gala polygama or racemed milk-wort's upper branches are 
covered with many open petaled flowers that advertise their wares 
conspicuously in order to secure the benefits of cross-fertilization. 
But below the surface on the tiny root-like branches are numerous 
pale little flowers whose work is in reserve in case the more beau- 
tiful blossoms fail in their natural functions. They insure the 
perpetuation of their kind though they never open their petals to 
admit the dangers of the elements, or risk a shortage of cargo- 
carrying insects. But a sad life must these little workers enjoy, 
while they minister to the economics of plantdom, for Cinderella- 
like they delve in the bowels of the earth with no prospect of a 
fairy god-mother to compensate them, and only a consciousness 
of a duty done, in reward for their sacrifices. But in the mean- 
while, the more fortunate blossoms of the upper air, flaunt their 
gay petals through the summer gladness and flirt in the sunshine 
with passing bee and breeze. 
Another little plant that bears the euphonious appellation of 
"Venus' Looking-glass" but whom scientists know as Specularia 
perfoliata, also bears these cleistogamous flowers. They do not 
hide themselves beneath the sod, but dwell quietly upon the base 
of the flower stalk, each clasping sheath of green carefully hiding 
three tiny little buds which are abundantly prolific in themselves, 
and they too avoid the dangers that society upon the upper stalks 
of life are exposed to, for they open no hospitable doors to bees 
or wind. But there are only a few of these flowers of high life 
that show their delicate beauty to an admiring public, and they 
are situated at the top of the flower stalk where they flaunt their 
bluish petals in the gladdening sun and enjoy life after the fashion 
of their kind. 
There is a quaint interpretation of the naming of this flower 
which reads : 'Tt is related that Venus one day let fall to the 
earth one of her mirrors ; a shepherd found the jewel, and as soon 
