SPERMATOPHYTES 



119 



consist of a central axis bearing numerous close-set mega- 

 sporophylls, which are very firm, and finally become very 

 hard. On the upper side of each megasporophyll near the 



, a 



FIG. 95. Tip of a pine branch, showing ovulate cones of first year (a), second year 

 (6), and third year (c) ; also a cluster of staminate cones (d). 



base are two megasporangia, lying side by side (Fig. 96, B 

 and C). The megasporophylls lie so close together that the 

 megasporangia cannot be seen from the outside, but when the 



