1898 ] THE LIFE-HISTORY OF RANUNCULUS 81 
some cases, that no antipodals are formed. In fact, the claim 
of no antipodals should suggest the probability that the observer 
is dealing with the evanescent type. So far as researches have 
gone, this type is characteristic of the Amentiferz and their allies, 
is found in Acer, etc. 
ve Three large antipodal cells, increasing in size with the sac, 
sometimes extending almost half through its long diameter, 
apparently very active, and not disorganizing until after the 
embryo has begun to develop. This growth of the antipodals 
is usually associated with extensive division of the nuclei, mostly 
mitotic in our observations, but undoubtedly sometimes direct. 
This type is quite characteristic of the Ranunculacee and their 
allies. 
3. Usually three comparatively permanent cells, not notable 
In size or activity, and usually associated with a sac decidedly 
narrowed at the antipodal end. This type is rather common 
among the Sympetale. oe 
4. An indefinite number of cells, forming a relatively perma- 
hent and very prominent tissue, often continuing its growth 
downwards and breaking through the bottom of the sac. In 
this somewhat extensive growth the lowest cell is apt to become 
very large and vesicular, and multinucleate. This type is asso- 
ciated with a narrow, elongated sac, and is quite characteristic of 
certain sections of the Composite, notably the Asteroide. 
FERTILIZATION. 
: The phenomena of fertilization are the usual ones, but cer- 
ie features seem worthy of mention. The pollen tube, after 
PR ime into the embryo sac, increases rapidly in diameter, 
me cases forming a pouch-like tip remarkably large as com- 
Pared with the caliber of the tube behind (fig. 51). The tube 
8 alia one of the synergids and the wall of the sac, and 
that pouch develops a convex and a concave side, so 
ospher apex of the tube is directed towards the nucleus of the 
own ay (Ags. 51,52). The tip of the tube apparently breaks « 
aS in all species we have investigated ; at least it lacks 
