THE ARIL OF THE NUTMEG. 



1ST 



The fonts, or umbilical cord, when it exists, connects the hilum of the seed with 

 the placenta, and conveys the vessels to the ovule and seed. 



The aril is known familiarly to our readers by the spice 

 called mace, which is the aril of the nutmeg, as may be 

 determined by an examination of the preserved fruit. It 

 presents a great variety of forms and characters in various 

 plants, and oftentimes it is difficult to distinguish it from other 

 structures ; but here, as in the case of bracts, negative evidence 

 is of value, and supplies us with the expression, " that every- 

 thing proceeding from the placenta, except the seed, must be an 

 aril," It is not of large size, except in fully developed seeds. 

 It is closely applied to the outer integument both of the seed 

 and ovule, and in its analogies has been regarded as an ovulary 

 leaf. Arils are divided into two classes viz., true and false 

 arils, the distinguishing mark being, that in the former the 

 micropyle or exostome either is covered, or would be covered, 

 by the aril, if it were sufficiently extended; whilst in the 

 latter the micropyle is at all times free. It is probable that the aril of the nutmeg 

 belongs to the latter class. 



Fig. 265. Aril of 

 Nutmeg. 



