CORK-TREE. ORDER CONIFERJ2. 



505 



These cones consist of a number of thick hard scales, which are 

 adherent together until the organs of fructification are nearly 

 mature, when they separate, so that the structure of 'the parts 

 within can be distinguished. At the bottom of each of these 

 scales are two ovules, which are not enclosed in anything like a 

 seed-vessel. Hence these are the only true naked-seeded or 

 gymnospermous Exogens ; and the peculiarity is a very striking 

 one. The dense scales were formerly oonsid-ered as bracts ; but 



FIG. 182 INFLORESCENCE OF ABIES EXCELSA. a. Male Catkin. 6. Anther, sheddira; 

 its pollen, c. Female catkin, d. Scales of female catkin, e. Scale of ripe cone. /. Seeds. 



little bracts may be often found at their base ; and they are now 

 regarded as the carpellary leaves, which have not folded in to 

 enclose the ovules (. 462). The stamineous flowers are arranged 

 in catkins, much resembling those of the last order. The pollen 

 grains fall directly upon the open points of the ovules ; so that 



