MR. W. GRIFFITH ON THE GENUS GNETUM. 308 
the only two cases in which I observed its partial formation laid loose in the cavity. 
Excepting the want of this essential portion, the seeds were, as I have since ascertained 
by comparison with seeds with perfect embryos, fully and completely formed. 
The following description of the mature seeds is taken from exembryonate specimens, 
‘and from the examination of some embryonate seeds of Gnetum scandens, brought from 
Arracan, and communicated, with many other interesting productions, to Dr. Wallich by 
his late friend Captain R. R. Margrave ;— | 
_ The mature seed is more or less ovate, obtuse, or acute, and of a reddish-orange colour, 
and either entirely smooth, or covered with appressed, peltate, silvery cellular scales. Its 
. coats occur in the following order :— 
l. Outer and baccate. Origin: outer envelope of ovule.—Of this the outer half is 
entirely cellular ; the inner composed of several layers of fusiform fibres, sharp at both . 
ends, of a yellow colour and shining appearance. They are often punctated, and occa- 
sionally marked with incomplete spiral fibres ; they are pungent, and occasion considerable 
irritation, 
2. Drupaceous : originating from the second envelope of the ovule.—This is externally 
sulcate, the innermost fibres of the outer coat being lodged in these sulci; it is of a brown 
colour and nearly osseous texture, composed of cells, the innermost series of which are 
arranged transversely, and a great number of longitudinally-disposed fibres, which are 
longer and of much less diameter than those of the outer baccate coat. 
3. Fibro-cellular coat. Origin: the additional envelope, and chief part of the nucleary 
membrane.—The external part, which is composed of fibres similar to those of the drupa- 
ceous coat, arranged longitudinally, is terminated by the persistent and now woody p 
tion of the originally tubular prolongation, the apiculus being lodged in the opening 
existing even at this period in both the outer coats: its apex is discernible exteriorly at 
the corresponding end of the seed, but does not, however, project beyond the level of the 
outer coat. The internal portion forms the | 
4. Cellular and membranous envelope. Origin: the circumferential tissue of the 
nucleus, — This adheres to the preceding throughout the greater part of ws extent. Towards 
the apex, where it is thinnest, most membranous and sphacelated, it is free, and it is 
terminated by a conical point (the original elevated portion of the centre of the depressed 
_ apex of the nucleus) : it is free from adhesion with the former coat. The point, however, 
alwa tes with the albumen, the upper portion of which it covers somewhat in 
ys separates wi 
the manner of a cap. | x 
5. Albumen. Origin: a deposition in the tissue of the amnios.—This - eom en 
cavity of the last-mentioned envelope; it is of considerable size, fleshy, and nn 
feculent granules, Around its apex an indistinct areola is visible, ar zZ : 2% 
"m ør Jara ; 
apex are attached the remains of the originally lax, cellular mn d zs the 
Wise marked with a depressed, indistinct areola, Along its contre, m aa ha 
: ; ; í ity of considerable size, which tapers off in 
upper half* of this portion, there is a cavity of co 
: : T ios to the apex of the 
* With regard to the axis at least; otherwise the base of the original amnios corresponds 
- nucleus, 
