THE PROPORTION OF PARTS IN FRUITS 319 



and Hura crepitans, where the average loss is rather over 

 60 per cent. 



It is remarkable that when grouped on the basis of the 

 loss of weight sustained by the pericarp during the drying 

 process on the plant the fruit-types arrange themselves in a 

 regular series, commencing with typical berries and capsules 

 and ending with woody capsules and Palm fruits. This is 

 shown in the following results which are taken from the 

 summary at the end of the subjoined table. 



Loss sustained by fleshy capsules and pulpy berries 86 or 87 per cent. 

 „ „ fleshy drupes 75 „ 



„ „ legumes 73 „ 



„ „ woody capsules 63 „ 



„ „ Palm fruits 62 „ 



Seeds, as already remarked, are much more constant in 

 behaviour. As indicated in the summary of the results of 

 the table, if we exclude Palm seeds, they lose on the average 

 about half of their weight, the seed proper of the Palm losing 

 as a rule about a third of its weight. 



The drupaceous and baccate fruits of Palmaceae are often 

 considerably affected by the presence of oil or of sugars in the 

 pericarp. Thus, whilst the pericarp of the fruit of Cocos 

 nudfera (Coco-nut) contains an abundance of water and loses 

 about 79 per cent, of its weight in the drying, that of Cocos 

 plumosa, which holds a large amount of sugar, loses only 

 37 per cent. So, again, with the fruits of Areca Catechu, the 

 fruit-case experiences a loss of 77 per cent, of its weight ; 

 whilst the pericarp of those of Oreodoxa regia, which holds much 

 oil, loses only 42 per cent. 



If space permitted it the treatment of this subject might be 

 greatly extended ; but many points are dealt with in different 

 parts of this work, and the elements for determining the dry- 

 ing regime of many fruits and seeds not specially discussed 

 here will be found in the table at the end of this chapter. 

 Numerous matters of lesser interest cropped up in this part of 

 my inquiry ; but it would be scarcely worth while, even if there 



