Noteworthy anatomical and physiological researches, 
The embryo-sac of Taraxacum, 
Now that morphological attention among angiosperms, 
especially the dicotyledons, is being focussed upon the em- 
y0-sac, it is important to note any careful observations that 
have been made. In Flora 82: 32 ef seg. 1896, Siegfried 
Schwere has published an elaborate paper upon Taraxacum 
oficinale. Its scope includes the topics: (1) the present con- 
dition of the embryological question; (2) the embryo-sac, 
fertilization and formation of the embryo; (3) formation and 
tesorption of the endosperm; (4) the integuments and later 
seed coats; 5) the pericarp; (6) biological considerations. 
nly the main points of the second topic are here considered. 
The author discovers that Taraxacum often has two ovules in 
the ovary, which may differ in size, but otherwise show nor- 
mal development. No fruit was found containing two ma- 
The gg-cell, which is rather deep in the sac, is easily recog- 
wd by its size and contour, and its nucleus is nearly as large 
Mig ndosperm nucleus. The synergide are at the ex- 
nme end of the sac and do not extend into it nearly so far 
we egg-cell, and their nuclei are smaller than those of the 
PBaag and the endosperm-cell. The synergide persist for 
we ely long time, retaining a plump appearance “ 
V Shave begun to form in the endosperm. — The antipodals 
a in Size, Shape and arrangement, but their number, three, 
ont he author seems to doubt Hegelmaier’s state- 
ae in Taraxacum he had observed four or five antipo- 
su i longitudinal row, but recent studies in Composite 
toon that such a condition is not at all unlikely. The it 
author are said to persist as long as the LA nae a 
of Claims to have discovered in Taraxacum the ore 
su gre fertilization noted in dicotyledons. a ee 
' be hat develop two embryos or not is a question y 
ined, 
re irs division of the fertilized egg-cell separates an em- 
b aging j 
‘Yo-cell from a suspensor-cell, and the latter retains its charac 
[229] 
