82 BOTANICAL GAZETTE [ FEBRUARY 
sharp definition and presents a frayed appearance. The distance 
between the two nuclei at the time of the discharge of the male 
cell is quite variable. In fig. 52 it will be noted that the male 
cell has been discharged at some distance from the nucleus of 
the oosphere, and that the nourishing synergid gives no special 
indication of disorganization, unless it be found in the disap 
pearance of the nucleolus. The nourishment of the male 
nucleus, however, during its movement towards the female 
nucleus, and increase in size, results in synergid disorganization. 
In fig. 52 the two gamete nuclei are shown in a fusion stage, but 
it will be noted that the second male cell has also been dis 
charged in a very disorganized condition. Fig. 53 shows ai 
undischarged pollen tube. 
ENDOSPERM. 
The definitive nucleus is remarkably large, and rests either neal | 
the oosphere or becomes somewhat centrally placed in the sa 
( figs. 46, 47,52). Free nuclear division, with more or less cyto" 
plasmic organization, proceeds with great rapidity (/ig. 54)- id 
the figure just cited the oospore has not yet divided, while sik 
free endosperm cells are represented. The prominence of the | 
antipodal group is also noticeable, as well as its somewhat | | 
eral position, due to the beginning of the remarkably one-sided 
development of the sac. That this formation of free endosperm 
cells proceeds not only with rapidity, but in a remarkably si 
taneous fashion, is indicated by the great numbers of spi 
in practically the same stage ( fig. 55). The figure cited re 
sents but a portion of the embryo sac. A more detailed view 
an endosperm spindle is shown in fig. 56, in which the radiatic 
about the poles are remarkably clear. During the formation 
free endosperm cells the sac enlarges rapidly, both laterally 
downward, but chiefly upon one side, so that eventually the stl 
prominent and active antipodals are on one side of the lor 
broad end of the sac, and are frequently thrust out consple 
ously into the cavity on a stalk-like projection, which represent 
the original center of the bottom of the sac (fig. 57): be 
