662 FIBRO-VASCULAR SYSTEM OF THE PEAR, 



pel (Fig. 6), and the other the flesh at a short distance from 

 the surface (Fig. 9). 



There are thus two main systems connected by means of a 

 network of vessels, corresponding to the two principal con- 

 stituents of the pome ; and this wonderful vascular net, which 

 is seen in the young fruit immediately after the petals have 

 fallen, as well as in the mature fruit, is evidently for the pur- 

 pose of regvilating and equalising the distribution of the 

 nutrient fluid to the seeds and the flesh respectively. 



While the network is an evident means of intercommunica- 

 tion, there are other less conspicuous connections, such as the 

 branches given off to supply the carpels being directly con- 

 nected here and there by cross-partitions with the main 

 bundles. 



EXPLANATION OF PLATES XXVL-XXIX. 



Plate xxvi. 



Fig. 1. — Transverse section of fruit-stalk, just as it enters the fruit, showing 

 ten fibro-vascular bundles. The stalk was somewhat shrunken on 

 account of the age of the fruit, and the section shows the woody 

 tissue ruptured in nine of the ten bundles ( x 30). 



Fig. 2. — Transverse section of pear through the carpels near the blossom- 

 end, showing the distribution of the "stone-cells." The section 

 was placed in a solution of phloroglucin to which hydrochloric 

 acid had been added, and the lignified walls of the stone-cells 

 were stained a, bright red. 



Fig. 3. — Transverse section of portion of pear, similar to the preceding, 

 showing the central core, with two bundles alongside of each 

 other between the carpels. The indications of the ten primary 

 bundles are not seen as in the apple, being obscured by the sur- 

 rounding " stone-cells," which form very prominent groups 

 opposite each of the carpels. The pair of bundles adjoining the 

 inner face of each carpel represents the forking branch from each 

 of the five intermediate main bundles { x 2). 



Plate xxvii. 



Fig. 4. — Longitudinal median section showing the "core" towards the 

 blossom-end. The primary bundles are seen diverging from the 

 stalk-end, and continuing round the carpels to the blossom-end; 

 while, on the left side, the network is seen, together with the 



