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Personality of plants

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MIGRATIONS OF PLANTS<br />

bear winged seeds, which are so efficient in<br />

riding the breeze that they are really miniature<br />

aeroplanes. The double wings <strong>of</strong> the Maple<br />

are very much like those <strong>of</strong> an insect. The<br />

seeds are released from their container in such<br />

manner as to acquire a whirling motion as they<br />

fall.<br />

The progeny <strong>of</strong> the Willow is provided with<br />

long projecting hairs which curl together to<br />

form a tiny balloon. Feathery attachments<br />

called pappus enable the children <strong>of</strong> the Dandelion,<br />

the Thistle and the Fire Weed to go on<br />

long jaunts <strong>of</strong> exploration.<br />

The seed-pods <strong>of</strong> the Sycamore are great rol-<br />

lers. Even ordinary nuts and fruits may be<br />

blown to considerable distances by the strong<br />

winds <strong>of</strong> autumn. The many edible seeds and<br />

fruits are carried gratis by birds and animals.<br />

The Mistletoe, for instance, is distributed en-<br />

tirely by them.<br />

Walnuts, Butternuts, and Acorns bear<br />

water travel well, as do certain <strong>of</strong> the hard<br />

seeds. The Arrowhead (Sagittaria) has a<br />

self-made water-wing on which its <strong>of</strong>fspring<br />

float.<br />

[47]

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