THE FRUITS OF GYMNOSPERMS. 



441 



is an aril. lu Podocarpus, also, is developed a peculiar structure of the same 

 kind. 



In Cycads tlie seeds are borne upon carpels arranged in cones, and have a 

 woody integument. In some cases they correspond in position to metamorphosed 

 lobes of a carpel {cf. fig. 208 '', p. 74), and have the outer layer of their integument 

 developed as a succulent coat. In the Gnetacese, the seed at maturity is inclosed 



Fij. 335— Fruit and Seed of Conifera. 



1 Cone of the Silver Fir (Abies pectinata). " Bract scale and ovuliferous scale of the same seen from the outside (the bract 

 scale is pointed). 3 Ovuliferous scale of same seen from above, showing the two winged seeds, and the bract scale behind. 

 * Longitudinal section of bract and ovuliferous scales, showing a seed inserted upon the latter. 5 a winged seed of the 

 same. 6 Longitudinal section of the seed. 7 Ovuliferous scale of the Scotch Pine (Pimis sylvestris) seen from above ; it 

 bears two ovules. 8 Siugle ovuliferous scale of Larch (Larix ettropcea) showing two ovules on its surface and bract scale 

 (with bristle) below it. 9 Longitudinal section of the ovuliferous scale of the Lai-cli. i nat. size ; the otlier figs, enlarged. 



in a fleshy "perianth" in Epliedra; in Wehuitschia cone-like collective fruits are 

 produced; finally, in Gnehtvi leaf -structures around the seed unite to form cup- 

 like receptacles for the seeds. 



From the brief observations on the manner of fructification of Gymnosperms, it 

 will be seen that their methods are verj' various, and that, in all cases, they difl!er 

 from those of Angiosperms. They agree in the common object of producing a 



