The Relation of Science and Religion.pdf - Online Christian Library

RELA TZONS OF ORGANISMS. 173tioil of honey, all adapted to the nature ofinsects, suited for the work of pollen carrying.The attractions of form, color, and scentin the flowers are well known to us; but theyare also appreciated by the insects,-a factwhich may possibly suggest that a high degreeof intellectual power is not required forappreciation of these qualities, as no one professesthat bees rank high intellectually. Atthe same time, if comparisons are to he madeat this point, the farther suggestion may alsobe introduced, that there is little testimonyto intelligence where search for food is concerned,and while the human race do not feedon flowers, insects are constantly feedingfrom them. The attractions in the two casestherefore vary considerably in their significance.Restricting attention, however, to thespecial field of observation now before us,with the view simply of ascertaining the relationsof plants and insects, color and honeypresent the two most prominent attractionsaccounting for the perpetual hum of lifeheard amongst the flowering plants. Differentparts of the flower provide for variegatedcoloring, and stores of honey; these presentattractions to the insects; and the structure