GYMNOSPERM.E. 



721 



cones. The only other genus is Agathis (Dammara). These two genera include 

 14 species, distributed in the Southern Hemisphere only. 



Abietinece.This family includes the majority of familiar Conifers of the 

 Northern Hemisphere. They are distinguished by the fact that the scales of the 

 female cones are divided into an upper ovule-bearing scale (the ovuliferous scale) 

 and a lower subtending bract scale. The ovules are borne in pairs on the former, 



Fig. 407. Female Cone and Scales in Abietin 



Cone of the Silver Fir (Abies pectinata). 2 Bract scale and ovuliferous scale of the same seen from the outside (the brack 

 scale is pointed). 8 Ovuliferous scale of same seen from above, showing the two winged seeds, and the bract scale behind. 

 * Longitudinal section of bract and ovuliferous scales, showing a seed in situ upon the latter. A winged seed of the 

 same. 6 Longitudinal section of the seed. 7 Ovuliferous scale of the Scotch Pine (Pinus sylvestris) seen from above; it 

 bears two ovules. 8 Single ovuliferous scale of Larch (Larix europcea) showing two ovules on its surface and bract scale 

 (with bristle) below it. Longitudinal section of the ovuliferous scale of the Larch. 1 nat. size; the other figs, enlarged.. 



and on ripening into seeds are provided with membraneous wings in most cases. 

 The relations of the parts of the scales and of the ovules are fully illustrated in 

 the accompanying fig. 407. The pollen-grains also are characteristic, being in 

 nearly all cases provided with two sac-like appendages which promote transit by 

 wind (cf. fig. 217 8 , p. 98). 



Included here are the Pine (Pinus), Cedar (Cedrus), Larch (Larix), and the 



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