FRUITS. 



685 



die, and are found dead and black in the figs). No blossom is perceived 



on the tree, because within the green sac the so-called " seeds " (really the 



fruits) are developing. A fig is a sac full of fruits. 



The legume or pod is formed of a single carpel bearing 

 seeds. We annex illustrations of the pod. The 

 covering is called the pericarp, and the parts when 

 opened separate into valves. Dehiscent fruits shed 

 their seeds, indehiscent fruits do not ; they lie 

 within the seed-vessel, like the acorns and nuts. 

 These are dry fruits, but there are others of a soft 

 nature, such as apples or gooseberries. 



Fruits are variously named, and underneath 

 will be found a list. We have the aggregate, like 

 the mulberry, etc. ; the dehiscent fruit of one carpel 

 like the pea, etc. ; the simple fruits as cherry, 

 nettle, wheat, etc. The dandelion fruit is often a 

 precious object in children's estimation, as it is 

 blown away to ascertain the time. There are 

 indehiscent fruits with many carpels, the common 

 buttercup, for instance, and the strawberry. A list 



Fig. 80 1. Legume 

 opened. 



Fig. 800. Le- 

 gume. 



is added. 



a. FRUITS WHICH ARE THE PRODUCE OF A SOLITARY CARPEL. 



1. The gymnospermous fruit, where the seed lies naked in the axils 

 of the ligneous bracts, as in the cone of the fir and spruce tribe. 



2. The legume or pod, which is formed of a solitary carpel bearing 

 seeds on the ventral suture. It characterises the pea and bean tribe 

 (leguminosce). . 



3. The follicle is a mature carpel containing several seeds, and 



\ 



,, g . ,0,-GU.d 

 Legume < acorn >- 



opening by the ventral suture. There are usually several follicles 

 aggregated together ; examples, larkspur, monkshood, evergreen. 



b. FRUITS WHICH ARE THE PRODUCE OF SEVERAL CARPELS UNITED. 

 4. The capsule consists of two or more carpels, either simply later- 



