DISPERSION OP SEED. 309 



of the mode, in which the very curious transformation of the 

 ovary into the fruit takes place. 



FIG. 103. ARTPCARPUS INCISA, OR BREAD-FRUIT. 



471. When the seeds are ripe and ready to be dispersed, the 

 carpel usually splits either along the suture, or in the opposite 

 direction, in order to set them free. There are many curious 

 provisions for their dispersion to a great distance from the parent. 

 Some of these, depending on the movements of the capsule, have 

 already been explained. Many seeds are winged, that is, are 

 furnished with a little expansion on each side, fitted to catch the 

 wind ; and thus they are wafted to places far distant from those 

 in which they were produced. A very common provision is that 

 of which the Dandelion seed is an example. This, as is well 

 known, is furnished with a very light downy appendage, by which 

 it is floated along with the slightest breath of air ; this appendage 

 is nothing else than a peculiar form of the calyx, which remains 

 adherent to the seed, until it is deposited in the soil. Other 

 seeds, again, are conveyed by the waters of streams and rivers, 

 into which they fall ; and take root, when left by the current 

 upon a congenial soil. Some are even capable of resisting the 

 influence of the waters of the sea ; and in this manner it is, that 

 the coral islands, which are gradually appearing above the sur- 



