THE FEUITS OF GYMNOSPERMS. 



441 



is an aril. In Podocarpus, also, is developed a peculiar structure of the same 

 kind. 



In Cycads the seeds are borne upon carpels arranged in cones, and have a 

 woody integument. In some cases they correspond in position to metamorphosed 

 lobes of a carpel (c/. fig. 208 '', p. 74), and have the outer layer of their integument 

 developed as a succulent coat. In the Gnetacese, the seed at maturity is inclosed 



335. — Fruit and Seed of Coniferse. 



1 Cone of the Silver Fir (Abies pectinata). 2 Bract scale and ovuliferous scale of the same seen from the outside (the hract 

 scale is pointed). 3 Ovuliferous scale of same seen from above, showing the two winged seeds, and the bract scale behind. 

 * Longitudinal section of bract and ovuliferous scales, showing a seed inserted upon the latter. ^ a winged seed of the 

 same. 6 Longitudinal section of the seed. 7 Ovuliferous scale of the Scotch Pine {PiniLS sylvestris) seen from above ; it 

 bears two ovules, s single ovuliferous scale of Larch (Lariic europcea) showing two ovules on its surface and bract scale 

 (with bristle) below it. ^ Longitudinal section of the ovuliferous scale of the Larch. 1 nat. size ; the other figs, enlarged. 



in a fleshy "perianth" in Ephedra; in Welwitschia cone-like collective fruits are 

 produced; finally, in Gnetum leaf-structures around the seed unite to form cup- 

 like receptacles for the seeds. 



From the brief observations on the manner of fructification of Gymnosperms, it 

 will be seen that their methods are very various, and that, in all cases, they differ 

 from those of Angiosperms. They agree in the common object of producing a 



