CLASSIFICATION OP FRUITS. 



131 



variation than the other structures; but the sarcocarp and endocarp assume every 

 possible variety of form and consistence. 



We have not hitherto referred to the mode of opening of the ovarium, since it is not 

 until that organ has attained its maturity that it becomes necessary to make provision 



Fig. 252. Representing the ordinary modes of dehiscence of fruit, a, Septicidal, or between the 

 carpels ; b, septifragal or by the backs of the carpels ; c, loculicidal, or through the dorsal suture. 



for the emission of the seed. This occurs in the fruit, and is a matter of much interest. 

 From the construction of the ovary it may be assumed that the normal mode of rupture 

 of the fruit would be between the carpels ; and such a mode of dehiscence, as it is termed, 

 is said to be septtcidal (Fig. 252 ). When the whole back of the carpel comes away 

 from the septa and the ventral sutures, the dehiscence is called septifragal (Fig. 252 6) ; 

 and when the septa remain perfect, whilst the ventral sutures become detached 

 from each, and the dehiscence proceeds through the dorsal sutures of each carpel, it is 

 termed loculicidal (Fig. 252 c). The pieces into which the fruit is thus broken, are 

 termed valves ; and in the first mode (dehiscence), each valve consists of an entire 

 carpel, whilst in the two latter it is formed by parts of two adjoining carpels. When 

 the fruit is simple, that is, composed of but one carpel, as in the Pea (I'isum, Fig. 260), 

 the dehiscence is through sutures, and is called sutural, and there are no dissepiments. 



In the Scarlet Pimpernel (Anagallis) there is another mode of dehiscence, one in 

 which the upper part of the capsule or ovary is detached ; and, as the line of separation 

 is horizontal and not perpendicular, the term circwnscissile has been employed. 



Classification of Fruits. The great variety which exists in the external 

 appearance and anatomical characters of fruit, renders it necessary to devise terms 

 which may serve easily to distinguish one kind from another ; and as the number of 

 such terms is very considerable, it has, at all times, been customary to classify them 

 according to their relationships. This has been effected by various writers, with 

 different degrees of success ; and, as we cannot devote much space to a consideration of 

 this question, we think it will be most useful to transcribe the newest, and perhaps the 

 most comprehensive, system, that of Professor Lindley. 



CLASS I. Fruit simple. APOCARPI. 

 One or two-seeded : 



Membranous UTRICULUS. 



Dry and bony ACH^ENIUM. 



Fleshy externally, bony internally . . . DKTJPA. 

 Many-seeded : 

 Dehiscent : 



One-valved FOLLICTJLUS. 



Two-valved LEGUMEX 



Indehiscent . : LO.MEXTUM, 



