When a plant reaches the climax of its development, it flowers and re� leases

fragrance into the air. This means it communicates with the animal world and
attracts, for example, insects which make pollination, fructification and therefore
the survival of its species possible. Because the plant's pollen is a food, the
insects also benefit from the transaction. Since bees tum pollen into honey,
human beings also benefit. In the animal kingdom, smells are the major source of
information. They are essential to the survival of the species, providing
information about food, enemies and possible dangers.
During the fertility period, they stimulate the reproductive hormones and mating.
This latter function is apparently suppressed in human beings, al� though the
popularity of perfumes, most of which are artificially manufac� tured, is an
indication of efforts in this direction.