214 THE OPEN BOOK OF NATURE 
of this Scabious with two other flower-stalks, bearing 
flower-heads, springing right out of the ordinary 
heads. In the Agricultural Economist for June, 
1910, there appeared a drawing and description of 
some Primroses whose sepals had developed into 
large leaves. Botanists contend that all the parts 
of a flower have evolved from leaves; that even 
stamens and pistils are modified leaves ; so if such 
be the case we need not wonder at floral parts 
occasionally reverting to a leaf-like condition. 
I almost hesitate to get out the microscope, lest 
we should be tempted to stay up too late ; the hours 
fly by very rapidly when we study the “ marvels of 
the minute.” Perhaps of all subjects for micro- 
Scopic examination none are more fascinating than 
living creatures such as we shall have collected 
from the pond to-day. Beautifully mounted speci- 
mens are always interesting, but when we get living 
things that move and show us the manner of their 
little lives, they fascinate us with the wonders of 
their ways. Well, here is the microscope, and here 
are the tubes of material ; let us make a beginning. 
We will start with a Water Flea. I catch one 
by means of this little piece of glass tubing, which 
is drawn out to a fairly small aperture at one end. 
I place my finger over the wide end, insert it in the 
vessel containing the fleas, remove my finger, and 
the water rushes into the tube. Yes, there is a 
flea in the tube. I replace my finger, withdraw 
the tube containing the flea, and by again moving 
my finger deposit the lively gentleman in this “ live 
cell,” allowing him a little water to move in, and 
draining away the surplus. Now I cover him with 
