,,09] BARBER-FRUITS AND SEEDS OF CUCURBITACEAE 287 



only after maceration can the overlapping branches of the ramifica- 

 tions be seen. Pits are numerous. 



(P 



increasing in number toward the edge, and consists of small cells 

 more or less stellate in form. This layer is followed by two or three 



(P 



tured in dry seeds. 



■pider 



cells. 



—risperm (N).—A number of layers of collapsed, thin-walled 

 cells form this layer. The longitudinally elongated epidermal cells 



have a cuticle. 



Endosperm (£).— The cells of this layer are polygonal, 22 /* in 

 diameter, have thickened walls, and contain small proteid granules. 



The Embryo (C) lacks distinctive features. 



f 



Ctjcumis Melo L. 



All the varieties of musk melon are derived from a single species 

 indigenous to Africa and Asia. Harz divides the species into nine 

 groups, each with one to ten subspecies. . 



The fruit varies somewhat in size and shape, but is usually spherical, 

 oval, or occasionally elongated, and has eight to ten longitudinal 

 grooves, differing in depth in different specimens, to which is due t e 

 characteristic "melon shape." The surface is green, yellow, or red, 



*«b a gray network of corklike tissue. . 



A rind 2.5 to 5 «« thick, with yellow to reddish fruit-flesh, incloses 

 a central cavity containing fibers, seeds, and a considerable amount o 

 *»tay fluid. 



The seeds are like those of C. sativus, except that their color is 



This consists of the hard rind, and the 



ellow. 



(fig 



^t, sweet watery fruit-flesh with bundles. , 



'• Epicarp {e P i).-Thc cells of this layer vary in size, shape, a 

 *teknes3 of walls. On the ribs there is a palisade layer o great 

 thickened. nolvon«al ~n„ _M, « niticle. In the grooves tne ecus 



Urease in size, the walls become thinner, and pits make their appea - 

 «*e. l n cross-section the cell cavity appears flask-shaped, 



