THE PIvANT WORLD 199 



been in the ground a few days it becomes transparent, showing plainly 

 the shape of the young plant within. Then a rootlet begins to force its 

 way out of the lower portion of the akene. This root is glistening white, 

 with a slender, pointed tip that works its way through the earth. The 

 akene splits by the growth of the root. When the root has taken firm 

 hold of the earth the movement starts upward. The young plant uses 

 the akene as a shield for its delicate cotyledons. They are too frail to 

 press through the earth unprotected. When the plant is above ground 

 the expanding cotyledons throw off the akene, and their silvery color 

 changes to green in the sunlight. 



The akene of the disk-flower is broader than that of the ray-flower, 

 and not so long. The shape of the upper portion of the akene reminds 

 one of an old-fashioned water bottle. The place where the disk dropped 

 off looks like the neck of the bottle. The outer fiber of the akene is finer 

 than that of the ray-flower. It has two flat sides instead of the three 

 ribs, and little down can be seen upon its surface. It is lighter in color 

 and more transparent. The differences are so marked that it is hard to 

 believe that the two seeds matured on the same flower head. The early 

 development of the plant is as that from the seed of the ray-flower. They 

 show above the ground about the same time. Not until both young 

 plants have thrown aside the akenes do they lose their individuality. 

 Then they begin the normal growth of Zinnias above ground. From this 

 time it is impossible to tell from which akene they came. 



An important botanical congress is to be held in St. Louis during 

 the week beginning September 19, at which addresses on various recent 

 branches of research will be made by eminent botanists of this country 

 and Europe. Among the latter will be Professor Hugo de Vries, of Am- 

 sterdam, and Dr. Karl Goebel, of Munich. 



More than thirty years ago an eminent botanist called attention to 

 the beauty of our native thorn trees and their suitability for hedges and 

 for ornaments of the lawn. Their hardiness, graceful shapes, thick 

 foliage and brilliant fruit -clusters all recommend them, while their ability 

 to flourish under a severe pruning is an added virtue in the eyes of those 

 who desire formal shapes. Yet, up to the present time, our thorn trees 

 remain the ornaments, not of private grounds, but of waysides and pas- 

 tures ; while the only pruners to exercise their skill upon them are the 

 cattle, which eagerly browse upon the young shoots. Many a pasture 

 contains shrubs fitted to grace a public park and worthy of a considerable 

 pilgrimage on the part of lovers of the beautiful. — Comitry Life in America. 



