182 Trans. Acad. Sci. of St. Louis. 



Nucellus. This consists of a narrow zone of compressed 

 cells. 



Endosperm. Occurs in the form of thick-walled elongated 

 cells with a narrow cell-cavity. Usually only one or two rows 

 of cells. 



Embryo. The outer row of cells of the cotyledon is con- 

 tinuous. The exterior walls are thickened ; cells below are 

 more loosely arranged ; small intercellular spaces in the angles 

 of the cells; the epidermal cells contain fat and protein, the 

 others in addition an abundance of spherical or elliptical 

 starch grains measuring 25X22.5/^-50X25 ft. Palisade cells 

 wanting. 



ViciA Fab A, L. 



Tl. XVL f. 6. PI. XXVI. f. 2-2 j. 



The earliest study of this species dates back to Bischoff, 

 who indicated its general structure and noted the presence of 

 endosperm. A more detailed account was given by Sempo- 

 lowski, followed by Beck. Both writers note the presence of 

 endosperm, although these writers both erred with refer- 

 ence to endosperm, since they considered the inner part of 

 the testa to be endosperm. Chalon, as well as Schleiden and 

 Vogel, stated that it is exalbuminous. I fully agree with Harz 

 that endosperm is absent or sparingly developed. Tschirch 

 and Oesterle refer to the layer of cells which follows the 

 inner part of the testa in Phaseolus muUiflorus as perisperm. 

 This layer in Vicia Faha agrees with that of the scarlet 

 runner, but it is difficult to say except from developmental 

 studies whether this is to be regarded as perisperm or endo- 

 sperm. Pringsheim and Nobbe also studied the species; and 

 Holfert, with reference to the nutrient layer. Germination of 

 the seeds was studied by Sachs, Marek and others. Dahmen 

 studied the funiculus, and Le Monnier the nervation. Com- 

 parative studies were made by Harz, Tschirch and Oesterle, 

 and Mattirolo and Buscalioni. 



Economically the seed is of considerable importance. Many 

 chemical analyses have been made; these are compiled by 

 Konig, Jenkins and Winton, and Harz. The latter also records 

 specific weight and other physical properties. 



Malpighian. The cells are 185-200 /^ long. Harz gives the 



