(2 NEW ZEALAND NATURE-STUDY BOOK 
those that are dispersed by being carried inside animals 
possess brightly-coloured fleshy coverings, which attract 
animals both by their appearance and taste. When the 
fruit is eaten, the seed being protected by a hard indigestible 
stone or covering passes through the body of the animal 
uninjured. 
Many birds, for instance, are extremely fond of Black- 
berries, and carry the seeds in all directions. This is one 
of the chief reasons why it is so difficult to get rid of this 
troublesome plant, which has long since found a place 
amongst the “noxious weeds.” The fruit, instead of 
being devoured where it grows, is frequently carried to 
some quiet spot, to be eaten at leisure, or, whilst being 
carried away, often escapes from the beak of the bird and 
drops to the ground. In the same way the so-called berries 
of the Puriri tree are scattered over wide areas by the wood- 
pigeon. Many other kinds of fruit and seeds will suggest 
themselves in illustration of this mode of dispersal. It will 
be noticed, moreover, that most of the fruits or seeds 
dispersed in this way are red in colour—this being the 
colour which appears most conspicuous amongst the 
green foliage. 
NotE.—The dispersal of seeds may be begun in the Infant 
Classes, and referred to from time to time during the course. 
The details of dispersal; however, can hardly be discussed with 
much fullness until pupils possess some knowledge of the flower. 
The spread of noxious weeds is already causing grave appre- 
hension in many of our country districts. It is important, 
therefore, that these lessons be dealt with in such a way as to 
direct special attention, not only to methods of dispersal—but also 
to the need for checking the spread of harmful plants. A 
knowledge of the former will be of great assistance in 
accomplishing the latter. 
