REPRODUCTION. 



209 



fertile branch of Selaginella incBqicalifolia^ with macrosporangia 

 and inicrosporangia. 



Finally, in reference to what has been stated and what remains 

 to be considered, we will add the following in explanation of the 

 diagramatic figures (131 and 132). Both refer to the phanerogams. 

 In the figure (129) of Marsilia and that of gymnosperms (131) 

 we at once notice the provision made for the nourishment of the 

 embryo. The embryo is entirely surrounded and connected with 

 the nutritive tissue, the endosperm. Fig. 132 represents the pro- 

 cess of fertilization among 

 angiosperms. In Marsilia 

 and the gymnosperms the 

 endosperm exists before 

 fertilization, while in the 

 angiosperms it is formed 

 after fertilization. Recent 

 investigations by the author 1 

 resulted in the probable con- 

 clusion that the ' ' antipodal 

 apparatus ' ' which exists 

 before fertilization is not a 

 ' c rudimentary ' ' organ, but 

 a peculiar structural arrange- 

 ment to serve in nourishing 

 the developing embryo. 

 Until recently the antipodal 

 cells were considered as 

 being without any physio- 

 logical function, but of suf- 

 ficient value to indicate a 

 ' ' phy logenetic rudiment. ' ' 

 As indicated, the subject is 

 perhaps capable of an en- Fm 131 ._ Diagramatic longitudinal section 

 tirelv different interpreta- through the ovule of a gymuosperm. 



" mi fa T (After Sachs.) 



tion . There are cases (8ama 



pratensis, Zea Mays) in which the so-called antipodes prove to be 



1 Zur Embryologie der Phanerogamen, insbesoudere liber die sogenanuten 

 " Antipodeu." Nova Acta d. Ksrl Leop. Car. D. Ac. d. Naturf. 1890 (The Em- 

 bryology of Phanerogams, with special reference to the so called "Antipodes"). 



