( 335) 
cept from the standpoint of comparative morphology.” The 
grounds upon which a physiological meaning is given to 
the cases in question are particularly: 
(x) In the specific position of these cells in the embryo-sac 
and in the quality of the contents of the cells themselves. 
(2) In their anatomical relations and the character (cutic- 
ularized) of certain membranes in the ovule. 
(3) The manner of starch distribution in the inner part of 
the nucellus. 
In 1896 he refers ® to the work on Vigella (1890) in which 
he ascribed to the polar nuclei or later the endosperm nucleus 
the function of conserving the antipodals in spite of the 
lengthening of the embryo-sac and of fixing the said appa- 
ratus in closer proximity to the micropyle in the interest of 
the first embryonic development. He concludes by saying: 
‘‘ The antipodals are a nourishing apparatus for the embryo 
in the foetal developmental period.” 
e find this view strengthened by the results of the work 
of Campbell” on Sfargancum and Chamberlain” on Aséer, 
in which cases the antipodals seem to have an important 
nutritive function. Merrell, however, regards the antip- 
odals of Sv/phium as performing the function of conduction 
of nutritive substances, and Mlle. Goldflus* interprets the 
antipodals in several genera of the Compositae as haustoria, 
from the fact that they elongate and appear to be associated 
with certain conducting tissue at the base of the ovule. Evi- 
dence on this point has also been found in Cal/Peltzs and 
Galium.™ 'To this view, moreover, we were directed by the 
form and structure of these cells in another family of plants 
(Liliaceae) investigated by Ikeda,* who finds similar anatom- 
ical features. The cells themselves show the phenomenon 
of chromatin aggregation, indicating metabolic activity, and 
these stand in relation to elongated cells of the nucellus 
which extend to the chalaza, forming a ‘‘ conducting pas- 
sage.” At the same time certain features in the distribution 
of starch and soluble carbohydrates, dextrin, etc., indicate 
that the center of activity for the elaboration of food for the 
embryo is the antipodals. 
