REJUVENESCENCE IN NATURE. 65 



structure, and the greatest perishability after the opening 

 of the blossom. 



7. Formation of the Fruit-leaves (carpels). These are 

 again larger, thicker, greener than preceding parts, 

 but especially distinguished by the permanent folding 

 together, passing into confluence. Springing from a 

 narrow base, the lower part expands like a blade, forming 

 the cavity of the fruit by closing together its own borders 

 or coalescing with the neighbouring carpels, while the 

 upper part is mostly drawn out (stalk-like) into the style. 

 From the inside of these leaves arise the little seed-sprouts 

 (ovules), so that they become the cases of the seeds, 

 running through with these a process of development 

 (maturation), prolonged far beyond the life-time of the 

 flower, and often requiring even more than one year for 

 its completion.* 



To those who have studied Comparative Morphology 

 in an unprejudiced manner, there can be no debate on 

 the question as to whether all the structures of these 

 seven formations are really leaves. On this side the theory 

 of metamorphosis stands on a firm and unshakeable 

 foundation. f But the structure which is to be erected 

 on this foundation, the theory of the formations, giving 

 the true representation of the vital history of the plant as 

 it is displayed in the successive transformation of similar 

 fundamental organs, is as yet unfortunately scarcely dimly 

 shadowed forth. It is a problem which appears so much 

 the more difficult the nearer we try to approach to its 

 solution, for it then is not sufficient to mark the characters 



* The ripening of the fruit and seeds occupies two seasons in many Conifers 

 (Juniperm communis, Pimis,} and many oaks (Quercus Cerris, Suber, rubra, &c.) 



f Wigand (' Kritik und Geschichte der Lelire von der Metamorphose der 

 Pflauzen,' 1846, p. 118,) very correctly calls "the great law of the unity of 

 all axial and of foliar organs," the nucleus of the doctrine of metamorphosis, 

 remaining behind when we have subtracted the multifold and strange cloth- 

 ing with which it is ordinarily enveloped. On the other hand, the problem 

 of giving to the discovered nucleus its true natural investments, does not 

 appear to be sufficiently recognised. Multiplicity will not be wanting in the 

 true clothing, and we shall certainly have to own to strangeness and oddity 

 in nature. 



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