of the poison in their leaves and stems.

"I might tell you of many other plants that live in safety because they
are defended by poison, or thorns, or prickles, or some peculiar shape.
The leaves of the common holly are only prickly on the lower branches,
where it needs protection from browsing cattle.

"Then there are wonderful contrivances for keeping not only the single
plant but its kind alive, which you will learn one day.

"There are plants which bear seeds in very great numbers, like the
field-poppy, so that some of them are sure to survive. The winds carry
other seeds to great distances, because they have beautiful feathery
down attached to them, which causes them to be easily blown about--such
as thistle and dandelion seeds.

"Birds, too, are great seed-sowers: they eat the wild fruits which
contain the seed. These fruits are generally red or black, so as to
attract birds to them. Among the red ones are hips, the fruit of the
wild rose; and haws, which contain the seed of the white-thorn. Among
the black are blackberries, the fruit of the bramble; and sloes, which
are like a very small hard plum. The birds eat these, and drop the seed
which is inside of the fruit on to the ground."

Then Sarah came into the room to say that Jane had come from Woodside to
take the children back.

"We must wait for Jack," said Mary.

"Yes," said Aunt Lizzie. "I daresay the boys will be home directly. Why,