2g4 TESTA, THE SKIN. 



do not ascend, the functions of a real Coty* 

 ledon, as far as air is concerned, and those 

 of the Albumen may be united in these 

 lobes, as is the case with most Leguminous 

 plants ; which is rendered more probable, 

 as several of the latter have the corre- 

 sponding parts likewise remaining under 

 ground. Hence the divided Vitellus of 

 the Cyamus is to be considered as a pair 

 of subterraneous Cotyledons, and the plant 

 consequently ranges near its natural allies 

 the Poppy tribe, as Mr. Salisbury, without 

 the aid of physiology, has shown in the 

 Annals of Botany, v, 3, p. 70, 75. 



Testa, the Skin, contains all the parts of 

 a seed above described, giving them their 

 due. shape ; for the skin is perfectly formed, 

 while they are but a homogeneous liquid. 

 This coat differs in thickness and texture 

 in different plants. It is sometimes single, 

 but more frequently lined with a finer and 

 very delicate film, called by Gartner Mem- 

 bruna, as may be seen in a Walnut, and 

 the kernel of a Peach, Almond, or Plum. 

 In the Jasmine a quantity of pulp is lodged 



