THE WEIGHT OF THE EMBRYO 



413 



fruits that have been gathered only two or three weeks. This 

 happens with the embryos of Mauritia and Cocos plumosa. 



Table showing the Condition of Palm-embryos in Fruits some 

 time after gathering, and their behaviour when allowed 

 to rest on the surface of water. 



Although in four cases the behaviour of the shrunken embryo in water was not tested, 

 it is evident that the same effect would be produced. 



The gain of the shrunken embryo in water represents 

 the original loss in the drying process, the embryo acquiring 

 its full outlines and approximately its original size and weight 

 in the moist ripe fruit. It should be allowed to rest on the 

 surface of the water for a couple of hours, when it usually 

 ceases to gain weight. The albumen of the seed containing 

 the shrunken embryo takes up much less water. Thus, to 

 take the behaviour of a Sahal seed sixteen months old, whilst 

 the albumen, when placed in water, added only 33 per cent, to 

 its weight, the embryo increased its weight by 160 per cent. 

 This is consistent with the principle before stated that when 

 a ripe palm fruit dries spontaneously the albumen loses about 

 one-third of its weight and the embryo about two-thirds. 



That palm seeds retain their vitality but a short time 

 would seem to be the rule. Mr Hart, late Superintendent 



