Osyris, Loranthus and Viscum. 177 



allowed the use of the expression, of minute and laxly-formed cells, crowded 

 with molecular matter, on the surface of the protruded part of the embryonary 

 sac, which may be freed by pressure from these cells, when it will be found 

 to retain its original sacciform appearance. (Tab. XVIII. figs. G, 7, 8 and 9.) 



To this cellular body all the subsequent changes relating to the embryo and 

 seed are confined. It continues to enlarge by the addition of cells upwards. 

 and all traces of the filaments seem rapidly to disappear. 



At the period of the appearance of the embryo itself, which takes place 

 about the time when the cellular mass, now young albumen, equals in bulk 

 the placenta, the embryonary sac will be found to present the appearance I 

 have above attempted to describe, and except in the disappearance or coagu- 

 lation of its molecular matter, it has undergone no change. (Tab. XVIII. 

 fig. 10.) It is detectible unchanged in the placenta of the ripe fruits long 

 after this body appears to exercise any function, at least judging from its 

 withered and dried state. 



I have not detected the embryo before the cellular mass has reached a con- 

 siderable size. In the earliest stage at which I have seen it, it consists of 

 from 3 to 5 cells growing from the surface of a single one a little within the 

 apex of the cellular mass. (Tab. XVIII. figs. 10 and 11.) 



The changes in the young fruit, besides mere increase of size, consist first 

 in the dislocation or breaking up of that part of its cellular tissue immediately 

 around the placenta; this goes on rapidly, the cells being found either quite 

 freed from their original relations or grouped in small masses. (Tab. XVIII. 

 fig. 12.) When it has reached to a considerable extent, it is accompanied by 

 an induration of the circumference of the same tissue, the whole of which I 

 imagine corresponds to the ovarium. The induration and dislocation go on 

 increasing ; they are followed at an advanced period by the baccation of the 

 tissues between the cutis and the hardened portion or outer surface of the 

 drupe, the whole of which baccate portion may be supposed, in accordance 

 with generally received, but not improbably erroneous opinions, to represent 

 the adherent tube of the calyx and staminal apparatus. 



In the ripe fruit, the originally very thick cellular ovarium will be found tt> 

 consist of an almost bony outer coat of some thickness, and an irregular 

 lining of film, the ddbris of the dislocated tissue. The cavity of the drupe is 



