20 



should consider the cone as a spurious fruit formed from a single 

 flower, or as a collection of fruits. 



In the pine (PI. VIII, fig. 32) we get a cone, consider it what 

 we may, and we can distinguish a variety of the cone which is of a 

 globular shape as a galbulus, such as is found in the cypress (PI. 

 VIII, fig. 33)- 



In the yew there is a naked seed whose base is surrounded by a 

 fleshy cup or aril, so it cannot properly be called a fruit at all. 



In the above notes I have tried to point out the differences and 

 peculiarities of a number of fruits, and have given illustrations of 

 them. However, in the study of Nature an acquaintance with only 

 the pictures and descriptions of natural objects is of little value. We 

 want to come into contact with the things themselves, to watch how 

 they grow and develop, to see them in their natural environment, and 

 to note the part they take in it and the effect of the environment on 

 them. Fruits cannot be studied from pictures of them, neither can 

 their full lessons be learnt from the dried specimens which we pre- 

 serve. These tell a part of their story, and an interesting one. In 

 well-chosen examples we may get specimens which illustrate the 

 various changes which go on in the formation, ripening and opening 

 of the different varieties of fruits, and we may record passing stages by 

 drawing or photography ; but we must watch these changes going on 

 in the living plants themselves, and notice the small gradual progress 

 which goes on in the production of those stages which leave their 

 permanent record behind. 



Nature study, like charity, should begin at home, and whatever 

 branch we take up, we should first study those examples which are 

 nearest to us, at our own doors. 



I cannot pretend to have exhausted anything like all the interest 

 of the study of fruits, but if I have done anything to awaken the 

 enthusiasm of any who have previously seen little of interest in the 

 subject, it will not have been in vain. 



