ZOOLOGY AND BOTANY, MICROSCOPY, ETC. 
333 
Fruit of Conifers.* — A detailed examination of the structure of the 
cone in the different genera of Coniferse leads M. M. Iiadais to the 
following general conclusions : — 
As a general rule the structure of the strobile confirms the present 
delimitation of the genera in the Abietineas, Taxodieae, and Araucarieas. 
Keteleeria should form a distinct genus of Abietineas, and Sciadopitys 
should constitute a separate tribe of the same rank as the Abietineae. 
Cunninghamia should be removed from the Araucarieae, and placed in the 
Taxodieas, to which it is allied through Athrotaxis. 
In the Abietineas the vascular bundles of the supporting bract and 
those of the seminiferous scale are completely distinct from the origin 
of these structures ; and the same is the case with Sciadopitys. In the 
Taxodineaa there is no constancy on this point. A vascular transfusion- 
tissue, connected with the xylem-vessels, accompanies each bundle in the 
bracts and scales ; but it is not surrounded by a special endoderm-sheath. 
Its cells are most frequently furnished with areolated punctations. The 
development of the vascular system which nourishes the seed differs in 
the different groups. In most cases the seminal bundle terminates at 
the chalaza ; but in others it is continued into the integument. The 
secreting canals originate at the base of the bracts and scales. They 
ramify in the Abietineas, but not in the Taxodineas. The supporting 
function is performed by the xylem-portion of the vascular bundles, 
and by a specially differentiated sclerenchyme. In addition to the 
imbrication of the scales of the cone, there are other special contri- 
vances for the protection of the seeds. 
Organs of Leaves which absorb and excrete Water. f — Under the 
name Jiydathode , Prof. (I. Haberlandt designates those organs, which 
are frequently found in the leaves of tropical and other plants, especially 
designed for the storing up or excretion of water. The hydathodes are 
always trichomic organs, and may consist of one or of several cells ; 
their special structure offers a great variety, and is described in the case 
of several trees in Java, belonging especially to the Icacinaceae, Meni- 
spermaceas, and MoraceaB. When unicellular, the cell is usually more 
or less of a funnel shape, with a vesicular basal portion, contains abun- 
dance of protoplasm, and has a mucilaginous apex. The exudation of 
water is not simply a mechanical process, but is due to the vital activity 
of the organ. A very simple type of hydathode occurs in the leaves of 
grasses. 
Hairs imitating Pollen.J — Prof. 0. Penzig describes a peculiar 
structure in the flowers of Rondeletia strigosa, from Guatemala, belonging 
to the ftubiaceas. The inner face of the corolla is covered by a yellowish 
powder, which has all the appearance of pollen, and which apparently 
attracts the fertilising insects. This substance has, however, nothing to 
do with pollen, but consists of spherical or ellipsoidal cells resulting 
from the disintegration of the hairs with which the inside of the corolla 
was clothed. 
* Ann. Sci. Nat. (Bot.), xix. (1894) pp. 165-368 (15 pis.), 
t Ber. Deutsch. Bot. Gesell., xii. (1894) pp. 366-78 (1 pi.). 
x Malpighia, viii. (1895) pp. 472-4 (2 figs.). 
