To accomplish its purpose it has made ample preparations.
All through the previous summer its round leaves, admirably fitted to their purpose, have been spread to the mountain sun and gathered in the fuel to be burned later on.
When winter arrives the leaves had grown thick in rich material and so leathery that no amount of snow could injure them.
The first warmth of spring melting the edges of the snow sheet sends the moisture trickling down to the Soldanella’s roots. This, acting upon them as water upon malting barley, brings about germination.
The plant, absorbing the oxygen in the air under the ice and combining it with the fuel in its own substance, melts its way into the open air. A fragile flower forcing its way through a solid crust of ice. Literally, not metaphorically, a slow combustion store.
This novel feat is accomplished every season, yet comparatively few observers note it.
Louise Jamison.
THE HUMMINGBIRDS.
Maxime miranda in minimus!
Minutest of the feathered kind,
Possessing every charm combined,