+ 
of apparently good seed matured by each species was noted. In 
this case fifty good seed were taken, and the number of unfilled 
seed found with them, be they more or less, was recorded. 
Many fruits are provided with a pappus which serves a two- 
fold purpose. It acts asa parachute and thereby assists in the 
dissemination of the seed; further it causes the seed to alight 
pappus end up, acting like the feathered end of an arrow. Now 
the parts of the embryo are so arranged that when the seed 
alights in this manner the cotyledons are up and the hypocotyl 
down. ‘Thus the parts are placed in the most advantageous posi- 
tion for germination. 
The 50 apparently perfect seeds of each species were divided 
equally, and one-half were planted with the pappus down and one- 
half with the pappus up. The figures given in the 3d and 4th 
columns of the accompanying table show the number which ger- 
minated in each case. 
In the 5th column is shown the number germinated up to 
June 23. None germinated during the following summer. The 
seeds were planted the previous autumn (Nov. 23). 
Finally the morphology of the seedlings was studied in 
different stages of development, and the peculiarities recorded in 
descriptions and drawings. 
The seeds of various plants of the Order were gathered, care 
being taken that they be free from other seeds. Seeds were se- 
lected from several vigorous plants some distance apart, where 
that was practicable. The seeds were then taken from the heads 
indiscriminately, and carefully examined for any external eviden- — 
ces of poorness, and then by slight pressure with a needle to see 
whether or not they were filled. From the observations, the fol- 
lowing statements may be made. 
The number of seeds which, from their general appearance, 
can be detected as poor, is very variable among different species. 
In Aster Nove-Anghe var. roseus and Solidago serotina the num- 
ber was large. In Sericocarpus asteroides, there were 2% poor 
seeds to every good one. Those which ranged from 1% poor 
ones to every good one, were Ambrosia trifida and Helenium 
autumnale. Two species perfected all of their seeds. These ne 
were Sic hat aas Canadensis and Arctium Lappa. Of the other oe 
