264 



GTMNOSPERM^E. 



The male flowers are long, and catkin-like, with numerous stamens, 

 each bearing 1 two oblong pollen-sacs. The pollen-grains are most 

 frequently tri-lobed, having two bladder-like appendages, formed 

 its outgrowths of the exospore, to assist in their distribution by the 

 wind (Fig. 267 N). The bracts are arranged spirally. The union 

 between the bract and the ovuliferous scale, which is found in the 

 preceding order, is not in this instance so complete ; these scales 

 make their appearance as two free parts, and are attached only 

 at their bases (Fig. 268) ; the lower portion, that is the cover- 

 scale, in most instances remains quite small (Fir, Red Pine, and 

 others), it is only in the "Noble Pine " (Abies) and Pseudotsm/u 



FIG. 267. A-G Pseudotsuga douglasii : A cone, B cone-scale, with the inner side 

 turned forward ; the points of the cover-scale are seen behind it ; C-G transitions from 

 the acicular leaf to the cover scale, from the base of a $ cone. H Finns montana. Young 

 ovuliferous scale, with the inner side turned forward; the ovules are now in the stage for 

 pollination. J-M Allies alba: J male cone ; b bud-scale; o anthers; KLM individual 

 anthers. Pinus wotitana : N pollen-grain; the two lateral expansions are the air- 

 Madders; in the upper part of the interior of the grain a vegetative cell may be seen, 

 and in the centre the large cell-nucleus. 



ii, that it attains a greater length than the ovuliferous 

 scale (Fig. 267, B-G). On the other hand the upper part, the 

 ovuliferous scale (the vascular bundles of which have the bast 

 turned upwards), grows strongly and elongates, especially after 

 fertilisation, becoming woody or leathery ; it is commonly termed 

 the " cone-scale ," but is in reality only homologous with a part of 



