1881. 



on Fruits and Seeds. 



COli 



111 tlio true geraniums af:^aiii, as for iiistaiicc in tlio Ilorl) Robert 

 (Fig. G), after tlio Hower has faded, tliu central axis gradually elongates 

 (Fig. G c d). The seeds, five in number, are situated at tlio base of 

 the e(dumn, each being ench)sed in a capsule, which terminates 

 upwards in a rod-like jiortion, which at first forms part of the central 

 axis, but gradually detaches itself. When tho seeds are ripe the ovary 



The Herb Robert {Geranium rohcrtiirwm'). 



a, btul ; 5, flower ; c, flower after tho petals have faUen ; d, flower with seeds 

 nearly ripe; e, flower with ripe seeds; /, flower after throwing seeds. 



raises itself into an upright position (Fig. 6 e) ; tho outer layers of 

 the rod-like termination of the seed-capsule come to bo in a state of 

 great tension, and eventually detach the rod with a jerk, and thus 

 throw the seed some little distance. Fig. 6 / represents the central 

 rod after the seeds have been thrown. In some species, as for instance 



