FRUITS 269 



cluster than of a collective fruit. The same is true of the 

 clump of tailed akenes that make up the fruit of the clematis. 

 Though the product of a single flower and thus technically 

 an aggregate fruit, they are really only a compact head or 

 cluster. Some degree of cohesion is necessary to constitute 

 a cluster of matured ovaries into an aggregate or a multiple 

 fruit. 



307. The individual fruits that make up the various kinds 

 just described may belong to any of the classes mentioned 

 in the two preceding sections : those of the blackberry, for 

 instance, are drupes ; of the strawberry, akenes ; of the 

 sweet gum, capsules. 



Practical Questions 



1. To what class of fruits would you refer the following: a banana; 

 a tickseed; a dewberry; a cocklebur; a string bean; a watermelon; a 

 cantaloupe; a pomegranate; a black haw; a dogwood berry; a red 

 pepper ? 



2. Tell which of the following are aggregate or multiple fruits, and 

 which are fruit clusters : an ear of corn ; of wheat ; a buttonwood or a 

 sycamore ball ; a hop ; a dewberry ; a pine cone ; a prickly pear. (303, 

 304, 306.) 



3. Tell the nature of the individual fruits composing the different com- 

 binations mentioned in the last question. 



4. Can you suggest any advantage that might accrue to a species from 

 having its fruits clustered or compound? (21, 23, 24, 287.) 



Field Work 



1. Study the various edible fruits of your neighborhood with regard to 

 their means of dissemination and protection. Consider the object of the 

 protective adaptations in each case, whether against heat, cold, moisture, 

 animals, etc. Notice the color of the different kinds, and trace its sig- 

 nificance ; for example, the bright red of the holly, the dull color of mus- 

 cadine, black haw, and wild smilax. Account for the prevalence of red 

 among autumn fruits. Notice the position of the fruit on the bough and 

 explain its object ; as, for instance, the clustering of dogwood at the end 

 of the twig, the pendent position of grapes and honey locusts. Observe 



