12 
The Colorado Experiment Station 
Apparently the most important natural enemies of the dan¬ 
delion are found among the seed-eating birds. Thus it is com¬ 
mon to see quite large flocks of siskins, small, sparrow-like birds, 
feeding upon the maturing seeds of the dandelion, especially dur- 
Fig. 7. A flower head photographed at different stages in its development, 
(a) The day before blooming, (b) Just opening for the first time, (c) In full 
bloom on the second day of opening and insect pollination being effected, (d) 
Closed at end of third day. (e) Closed and bent down while ripening the seed. 
Compare the shape in this condition with that of the bud stage (a), (f) 
Straightened up and fruiting on the ninth day after first blooming, (g) Tenth 
day; the “seeds” all gone. 
