416 
STRUCTURE AND LIFE HISTORIES 
ascertained by observing the oldest annual growth still 
bearing spur-shoots. When the leaves are shed the 
entire spur-shoot falls away. 
Reproduction 
370. Staminate Cones. Most of the cone-bearing trees 
(Coniferae) are monoecious, i.e., bear both microspores 
and megaspores on the same tree. The staminate cones 
appear in the spring, usually in May in the northern states, 
FIG. 306. Staminate cones of the Austrian pine (Pinus austriaca). 
Below, before shedding pollen; above, after shedding. 
and persist for only a few weeks. They are borne in 
clusters on the long branches on the current year's growth, 
and occupy the lateral position of spur-shoots; they are 
never terminal (Fig. 306). They are, in reality, modified 
