1902] GAMETOPHYTES AND EMBRYO OF PODOCARPUS 99 
In archegonia which have reached maturity and failed to be 
fertilized the ventral canal nucleus frequently leaves its position 
at the surface and moves inward (fig. 28). It may even come 
in contact with the egg nucleus (fig. 29). Such cases might 
be interpreted as evidence in favor of the possible fertilization 
of the egg by the ventral canal nucleus, as suggested by Coulter 
and Chamberlain (1901, p. 98). In fact, however, the evidence 
; is in the other direction, for though there is never any obstacle 
_ tothe free approach of the ventral canal nucleus, and though it 
| is often found very near the egg nucleus, or even in actual con- 
tact with it, in no case was an embryo found in an archegonium 
not provided with a pollen tube. In one case both the egg and 
ventral canal nuclei had divided amitotically into a large num- 
ber of fragments, not half of which are shown in the figure 
(fig. 30). 
In fertilized archegonia the ventral canal nucleus soon leaves 
its lateral position, increases in size, and frequently divides ami- 
totically (figs. 32, 34, 35, 50). Its reticulum becomes denser 
and may approach that of the egg nucleus in character (Jig. 35), 
as described by Chamberlain (1899) in Pinus Laricio. The division 
| of the nucleus, its large size and healthy appearance, and its _ 
: long persistence (jig. 50) leave little doubt that its function is © 
to assist in nourishing the embryo. The persistence of the sec- 
= male nucleus for a considerable time in the upper partot 
the archegonium has been described in a number of cases,andI 
sso aware that my figures do not prove conclusively that the 
: — Just described do not come from the pollen tube. Degen- ee 
: a nuclei have been found near the pollen tube (fg: 33) fe 
“uch probably come from it, but in all such cases another = 
te saa also present. This fact, together with the size, 
eae ~ mee Position of what has been called the ventral canal oe 
~~, convinces me of the correctness of my interpretation. = 
"finds of eaeeeet; though both Strasurger and Belaje have given te 
iS concerned om im Juniperus. He is certainly mistaken so far as Taxodium a 
greatly surprised if a ventral canal nucleus is noteven- 
iii ds tt ie a ike sg alin aie Coed as sh cae h Gee che ooh ala ae Ue 
‘5 sae 
