SOME FAMILIAR VEGETABLES 



161 



We have now another familiar object in the Scarlet 

 Runner Bean. 



In this the seeds are connected in series-parallel by means 

 of insulated contact-pieces, the membrane covering which 

 appears to be continuous with the seed capsule : 



ScARi<ET Runner. 



a, a, Placental growth ; b, Ventral suture ; c, c. Subsidiary leads 



from Stalk. 



In the above figure the negative (earth) lead splits at 

 the apex of the stalk and is carried along the ventral suture 

 in two parts (as in the Pea), the seeds being arranged alter- 

 nately upon the two circuits. The siliqua itself is porous 

 and with the exception of the stringy negative fibres, or 

 leads, is of positive sign. It should, therefore, be fit for food. 



At the end of the stalk, where it joins the siliqua, there is 

 a fibrous point which seems to shut off the front seam from 

 the leads along the ventral suture. The ovary is divided 

 into two by a placental growth, a, a. 



The two succeeding sketches are of the Vegetable Marrow 

 and Cucumber in transverse section and call for little or 

 no explanation. The central part is negative, that sur- 

 rounding it positive, and the rind merely a high resistance 

 covering to conserve energy. The inner circle in each case 



