58.
But its own pollen is all gone, how then will it get any? It
will get it from some bee who has just taken it from another and
younger flower; and thus you see the blossom is prevented from
using its own pollen, and made to use that of another blossom, so
that its seeds may grow healthy and strong.
The garden nasturtium, into whose blossom we saw the humble-bee
poling his head, takes still more care of its pollen-dust. It
hides its honey down at the end of its long spur, and only sends
out one stamen at a time instead of five like the geranium; and
then, when all the stamens have had their turn, the sticky knob
comes out last for pollen from another flower.
All this you may see for yourselves if you find geraniums* in the
hedges, and nasturtiums in you garden. But even if you have not
these, you may learn the history of another flower quite as
curious, and which you can find in any field or lane even near
London. The common dead-nettle (Fig. 59) takes a great deal of
trouble in order that the bee may carry off its pollen.
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