90 Dr. Wight on the Separation of the Pomegranate 



sions, then he takes an erroneous view ; and if the examples 

 quoted in illustration support this view, they are not in point 

 as regards the structure of Punica. 



Mr. Arnott, like Lindley, views the fruit as consisting of 

 two rows of carpels, an outer and inner, the former of which 

 he thinks may be adventitious. To understand his theory, 

 we must first suppose the tube of the calyx spread out as a 

 flat surface and covered with two circles of carpels, the inner 

 next the axis, and the other occupying a larger circle beyond, 

 and that the margin of the calyx then contracts so as to turn 

 the outer series over the inner. According to this supposition, 

 the attachment or base of the placentas of the outer series 

 should be in the circumference and the apex in the centre, 

 while that of the inner should be in the opposite direction, 

 that is, have the base in the centre and the apex towards the 

 circumference ; an explanation which is in accordance with 

 what we find, except in so far as it does not account for the 

 horizontal partition between the two series : nor can I exactly 

 understand on what ground we are warranted in assuming that 

 the outer series is adventitious and the result of cultivation, 

 as it has everywhere been found so constant in all circum- 

 stances. But be that as it may, this theory certainly accounts 

 for the crossing of the placentas in the two rows which we so 

 invariably find ; whether correctly or not, cannot be deter- 

 mined until we get fruit with a single row of carpels, which 

 has not yet been found. 



These explanations, which I venture to propose, of rather 

 obscure descriptions, did not occur to myself until after I had 

 formed a new theory of my own, the result of a very careful 

 examination of the ovary in all stages from the earliest up to 

 the period of impregnation. At these early stages, when the 

 whole flower had not yet attained half an inch in length, pro- 

 bably a fortnight or more before expansion, I invariably find 

 two rows of carpels, one inferior of four or five, and one su- 

 perior of five, six or more. In the lower series the placentas 

 are ranged round the axis, with their base in the centre, and 

 the apex, which is free, towards the circumference. In the 

 upper, the attachment, or base of the placentas, is in the cir- 

 cumference, and the apex, also at first free, directed towards 

 the centre. Between the two rows a diaphragm is always in- 

 terposed. The apex of the upper placentas is, occasionally, 

 afterwards prolonged and contracts adhesions to the axis. 



In the accompanying figures I have attempted to represent 

 these views. As the fruit advances in size considerable de- 

 rangement of this structure progressively occurs, which is apt 

 to mask and confuse the appearances now described. 



