DISSEMINATION OF ITS SEEDS. 4-1 
upwards, but are united at tlieir bases to form a 
sheath for the pistil. When the ripe fruit is ejected 
from the cone, it bursts the membranous envelope 
which holds it, and when released falls about an 
inch, and remains suspended by the stigma, which 
forms a sort of knot ; thus at the same time balanc- 
ing the tiny parachute, and by its mode of sus- 
pension forming a beautiful provision to take off 
the weight of the parachute when the seed strikes 
' the ground. 
