48 FRUCTIFICATION. 



known, ripen in one season. In the CONIFERS a large proportion of 

 the species also maturate their fruits in one season. In Finns, Ceclms, 

 Araucaria, Cupressus in part and Juniper maturation is not complete till 

 the second season.* The seeds are dropped either by the falling away of 

 the scales (Abies) or by a separation of them at a sufficient distance to 

 allow of their escape. The hard cones of the Pinaster group of Pines, 

 notably the California!! species P. muiicata and P. tuleivulata, often 



Fig. 32. 1, Cone of Abies pectinatu. 2, Bract and ovuliferbus scale of the same seen from the outside. 

 3, The same seen from the inside and showing the two-winged seeds. 4, Longitudinal section of bract 

 and ovuliferous scale showing a seed inserted on the latter. 5, A winged seed of Abies pectinata. 6, Longi- 

 tudinal section of seed. 7, Ovuliferous scale of Scots Pine. 8, Ovuliferous scale of the Larch fLarix 

 I'Ki'iijiii'nj showing two ovules and bract below it. 9, Longitudinal section of the ovuliferous scale of the 

 Larch. Fig. 1 natural size, all the others enlarged. 



remain closed and attached to the trees for years, only opening when a 

 forest fire or an exceptionally hot and dry season causes the scales to 

 split asunder and liberate their seeds. 



* The seeds of Pinus pinea are not mature till the third season, and this may probably 

 be the case with other species of Pinus. 



