204 GLIMPSES IX TO PL A XT-LIFE 



fertilisation is a t^rowth which occurs in some 

 plants from the base of the ovule. The pretty 

 red covering's of the seeds of the spindle-tree, and 

 the bright berry-like structure on the seeds of 

 the yew-tree are examples of this growth, which 

 is known botanically as an aril (from anV/us, a 

 wrapper). In the willows this aril is a very 



spindle-tkp:e.i 



lovely covering of silky hairs, these serve to float 

 the seeds on the atmosphere at every puff of 

 wind. 



The pretty lace-like covering on the nutmeg is 

 another example of an aril, better known to us in 

 the form of the fragrant spice called mace. 



The style, which in most plants dies as soon as 

 the ovules are fertilised, is in other cases persistent, 



