218 The Botanical Gazette. [June, a 
definite. It extends nearly parallel to the inner epidermis at 
a distance from it of about one-third the thickness ofthe — 
ovary wall. Fig. 9. 
As a result of resorption, the rounded cells within this — 
region are freed from each other leaving the original tissue — 
represented by a stratum of detached cells. Absorption may — 
go further leaving but indistinct remnants of some of the 
cells themselves. | 
This disintegration affects in less degree the inner epider 
mis and the adjacent elongated cells. The combined — 
influences of partial disintegration and of pressure transmitted — 
from the growing embryo separate the epidermal cells later — 
ally. Asa result, instead of forming a sheet, the epidermis — 
has come to consist of ribbons of cells attached by their ends 7 
alternating with narrow spaces of approximately equal width ; 
In short, the deeper tissues of the ovary wall in the region! — 
the apex of the ovule have undergone a more or less com — 
plete disintegration. The walls of the outer epidermal cells ; 
and a few layers of cells beneath it, show some thickening, 
and in the walls of the latter cells, pits are noticeable. ee 
At this stage the outer integument has entirely dis 
peared, fig. 6. Thecell walls of the inner integument begin to 
weaken and collapse, but the layer can be easily seen re 
cross sections. Of the nucellus only two or three layers _ 
cells remain except at the base of the ovule, where ac ool 
erably thicker and much compacted body of cells is found. eo 
ii : bed, but ev 
greater part of the missing tissue has been absorbed, pee 
dence of compression is found in the form of collapsed 1 
adjacent to the endosperm and embryo. 4 
The cells of the andeationts aré very thin walled and Ot 
tain large nuclei and granular protoplasm. The Pe of the 1 
cells are smaller and richer in protoplasm than pare: The 
interior parts, the latter containing large dete 
cells of the embryo are smaller than those of thee brings 
and are in an active state. The use of proper pe Evea 
out well the details of nuclear division in these pia at 
at this early stage the glandular layer is distinctly © 
ated as small epidermal-like superficial cells. dicated i 
As development continues the modifications ed. TH 
earlier stages become more and more prose ae 
thickening of the walls of the outer epidermis © : 
