. Elementary botany. Botany. Fig 471 Seeds of geutn showing the hooklets where the end of the style is Icneed. grains are also devoured, and while many such seeds are destroyed, others are not injured, and finally are lodged in suitable places for growth, often remote from the original localit}-. Thus animals willingly or unwillingly become agents in the dissemination of plants over the earth. Man in the development of commerce is often responsible for the wide distribution of harmful as well as beneficial species. 675. Other plants are more independent, and mechanisms are emploj'ed for violen
. Elementary botany. Botany. Fig 471 Seeds of geutn showing the hooklets where the end of the style is Icneed. grains are also devoured, and while many such seeds are destroyed, others are not injured, and finally are lodged in suitable places for growth, often remote from the original localit}-. Thus animals willingly or unwillingly become agents in the dissemination of plants over the earth. Man in the development of commerce is often responsible for the wide distribution of harmful as well as beneficial species. 675. Other plants are more independent, and mechanisms are emploj'ed for violently ejecting seeds from the pod or fruit. The unequal tension of the pods of the common vetch (Vicia sativa) when drying causes the valves to contract unequally, and on a dry summer day the valves twist and pull in opposite directions until they suddenly snap apart, and the seeds are thrown forcibly for some distance. In the impatiens, or touch-me-not as it is better known, when the pods are ripe, often the least touch, or a pinch, or jar, sets the five valves free, they coil up suddenly, and the small seeds are whisked for several yards in all directions. During autumn, on dry days, the pods of the witch hazel contract unequall}', and the valves are suddenly spread apart, when the seeds, as from a catapult, are hurled away. Other plants have learned how useful the '• wind " may be if the seeds are provided with "floats," "parachutes,'' or winged devices which buoy them. Please note that these images are extracted from scanned page images that may have been digitally enhanced for readability - coloration and appearance of these illustrations may not perfectly resemble the original Atkinson, George Francis, 1854-1918. New York, H. Holt
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