tion. 



SECT. V. THE FRUIT. 



yet open longitudinally by means of two general 

 valves; but transversely, by means of joints, each 

 joint forming a cell that contains one seed, which 

 is finally extricated by the opening of the indivi- 

 dual joint when detached. This variety of the 

 legume is regarded by Wildenow as constituting a 

 distinct species of pericarp, designated by the name 

 of Lomentum.* But it is a distinction to which 

 it seems scarcely entitled. 



ARTICLE 8. The Strobile.-^-The strobile or cone Defini 

 (fl. VI. Fig. 8.) is a tough and woody pericarp 

 consisting of the general receptacle and indurated 

 scales of the catkin. In some cases however, as 

 in Pinus Larlx y the scales are rather leathery than 

 woody ; and in others,, as in Pinus sylvestris, they 

 are beset with tubercles. Under each scale there 

 is lodged one or more seeds or nuts^ in which the 

 seeds are contained. The figure of the strobile is 

 generally conical or cylindrical, as in most species 

 of Pinus ; but sometimes also it is spherical, as iu 

 the Cedar. 



In the mature state of the fruit the scales, which 

 are now closely imbricated, cover the seeds or nuts 

 so completely as to assume the appearance of form- 

 ing only one compact whole, and thus the strobile 

 hangs upon the tree during the whole of ^he winter 

 season, protecting the enclosed seeds; but the heats 

 of the succeeding summer have no sooner arrived 

 than the scales, formerly close and compact, begin> 

 * Princ. of Bot. p. 111. 



