20 CONIFER. 
corresponds to the lower surface of the leaves, there is an evi- 
dent attempt at the formation of stomata: an additional 
argument in favour of the scales, being transformed leaves. 
But they likewise exist on the upper surfaces although in less 
numbers. 
Agathis loranthifolia, Pl, COCCLXXX. 
The ovula have when the cone is about the size of an egg 
1 
aa Bak NE RI E NIST SN UI RAD Sah ae oe 
only one tegument. They are much flattened, their largest 
diameter being transverse with regard to the axis, both the 
hilum and exostomium are obliquely situated, but still opposite 
to each other. The primine is of considerable thickness, cellu- 
lar elongated in the direction of the spire, formed by the cone 
into an aliform expansion. The exostome is open, the 
nucleus is fleshy-cellular, it is entirely enclosed in the cavity 
of the testa, to the foramen of which its apex as usual | 
corresponds. There is a very distinct central cavity, lin- 
ing which there exists a fine membrane, containing some 
granular matter, and forming a sac which adheres slightly to — — 
the surrounding parietes, and which seems to be closed at 7 
both ends, certainly so inferiorly. It adheres very firmly to 
the apex of the nucleary cavity, and tears rather than sepa- 
rates. 
At a later period when the seeds are 1 of an inch long, 
their shape is considerably altered, the testa has become coria- 
ceous, the exostome is still open. The nucleus is spongy and 
constricted at its apex. "The membrane which I have above 
mentioned seems to have disappeared. 'The cavity of the nu- 
cleus is occupied by the nascent embryo of an oblong shape; 
constricted at both ends, this is pendulous, hanging from the 
narrow neck of the nucleus, the tissue of the lesser and lower 
constriction is the firmest. 
A.—Fig. 1. Ovule of Agathis loranthifolia, about 1 line 
long, it is inverted. 
2. Ditto part of testa removed, a testa, 6 nucleus. 
