But there is a strange thing about this tree, apart from its uncommon growth. And that is the way that its seeds germinate. We put a seed into the ground, and when it sends up its little stalk and leaves we say it has germinated or sprouted. Now the mangrove seeds germinate on the branches, in the fruit. The seed sends forth the little stalk which grows up there until it is a foot long. This stalk is shaped like a pointed club and is quite heavy. When it is ready to fall, it goes plump down through the leaves and branches of the tree, sharp end downwards, and sticks itself firmly upright in the mud at the bottom of the water. And, after some time, it thrusts itself above the surface, and grows into a comical mangrove tree. If you will study the marvels of vegetable life you will find strange things of which I have said nothing. Many wonderful plants grow high up in the air on the branches of trees; and many very curious ones thrive only in the water. BRON AND KRUGE. Old King Rhine sat upon his rocky throne among the reeds. He had given his kingly word that for three months his river, the Rhine, should not overflow its banks, and that there should be no manner of tempest upon its waters. The old gentleman was sad and gloomy. A month had passed since he gave this promise, and all that time he had had nothing to do. This was hard upon him, for he had led a very busy life. Many an army had he helped across his river, and many a one had he broken to pieces with floods, and tempests. Christians and savages, knights and nobles, and men of low degree had fought upon his banks. Men had built castles, and he had swept them away, or crumbled them into ruins. And, sometimes, he had helped beautify them, and spread grass and flowers all around them. And he had occupied himself in many other ways. [Illustration: KING RHINE.] And now there was nothing for him to do. He looked up and down the length of the stream. The waters were still and blue, and vessels glided over them, and the little boats rocked gaily on the swelling waves. At the wharves of the cities men were busy loading and unloading the ships, and all rejoiced in the pleasant and prosperous season. On the hill-sides the vineyards were as full of grapes as ever they could be, and the vines found their way up the very walls of the ruined castles, and hung their purple clusters on the loosened stones. It was very pretty, and the old king took pleasure in it, but he always liked to have something going on that was not quite in the ordinary way. Suddenly he remembered that there were other creatures under his care besides men. There were Nixies, and Fairies, and Gnomes, and Dwarfs, and Undines, and Elves, and Sylphs, and Peris, and Nymphs, and Dryads, and Giants. [Illustration: A RHINE VINEYARD.]