1897 ] LIFE HISTORY OF LILIUM PHILADELPHICUM 419 
subsequent basal region is worthy of remark, and will be noted 
later. After the first division there is no regular sequence of 
cell divisions. The second may occur in the basal cell, either 
transversely (fig. 25) or longitudinally (fig. 2g). That a longi- 
tudinal division of the basal cell commonly occurs at some time 
is evidenced by the later stages of the embryo (jigs. 27-33). 
Cell division continues in any regionof the embryo and in every 
direction (figs. 26-33). It is impossible to formulate even a 
general sequence of events or to make any sharp distinction 
between suspensor and embryo. The amount of the whole 
embryonic structure which contributes to the completed embryo 
is variable, and such a thing as a distinctly defined suspensor 
which may “contribute” to the formation of the embryo does 
Not exist. It would seem better to regard the so-called sus- 
Pensor not as an organ distinct from the embryo, but rather as 
a region of the embryo, more or less extensive even in the same 
Species, set apart’ to serve a temporary purpose. From this 
Standpoint the question as to what the suspensor ‘contributes’ 
to the embryo, and what the embryo ‘‘ contributes ” to the sus- 
pPensor, becomes arbitrary and useless refinement. Like much 
physiological differentiation this may result in a structure 
€xternally distinct or it may not. The function of this region 
of the embryo seems to be to anchor, to absorb, and to relate the © 
embryo properly to its food supply. Therefore, it displays the 
Widest possible variation in extent and structure. The statement 
that certain plants have no suspensors may or may not be true, 
but this fact would seem to have no special morphological 
Significance. It has seemed best to me to regard the suspensor 
notasa phylogenetic rudiment, but as a specialized structure of 
the embryo adapted to the peculiar —- of ———— 
development. 
The tendency of the basal region of the embryo to spread 
3 widely as an absorbent organ in contact with the wall of the sac 
: is” very noticeable (figs. 26-32). An extreme case at an early 
cn cid is represented by fig. 29, but cases of still more extensive 
extension were observed, OE “eS ob ecru 
