224 The Botanical Gazette. [Jnne, 
As further opportunity shall permit, it is my intention to 
examine at different stages of development the fruits of re- 
lated plants to ascertain, if possible, how widely this history 
is the history of other forms. 
Summary. 
I summarize my results and conclusions as follows: 
I.—In the corn, wheat and oat, at the time of fertilization, 
the single ovule is furnished with two integuments, which 
are more or less complete. As development proceeds (1) the 
outer integument soon disappears; (2) the inner cells of the 
ovary wall are absorbed in varying proportions; (3) the tissue 
of the nucellus is absorbed, with local exceptions. 
II.—At maturity, these remain as seed coverings: (1) the 
external portion of the ovary wall, in varying proportion, 
forming the pericarp; (2) the inner integument persisting ina 
state of compression. The epidermis of the nucellus also 
persists, though much compressed. ae 
III.—Late in the development of the fruit, the remaining 
(inner) integument becomes soldered to the adjacent inner cells 
of the pericarp forming the fruit correctly described by Mir 
bel under the name of ‘‘cerium,” and rechristened by Rich- 
ard the ‘‘caryopsis.” 
This investigation was pursued in the botanical estes 
of the University of Wisconsin, under the direction of a 
Charles R. Barnes. For his kind suggestions and help I wis 
to express my sincere gratitude. 
Madison, Wis. 
Bibliography. 
While the literature of the development of the oa = 
in an incidental and general way of their coverings, ' "dy 1 
what extensive, few papers give to the coats a detailed - vi 
have here listed only those writings which touch most pwst 
ly and definitely upon the subject in hand and such, se 
as would be most useful for general reference. 
1. Mirbel: Ann. Mus. Nat. XIII. : 
2. Richard, L.: Analyse des embryons et endor Se 
3. Schleiden: Ueber die Bildung des cin Acta 
