THE HORNBEAM. 
33 
erect until after the formation of the fruit, when it gradually 
assumes the hanging position. The bracts of the male are oval, 
with sharp tips, each containing an uncertain (3-12) number of 
stamens. In the female the bracts fall early, but their place 
is taken by three-lobed bracteoles, which enlarge after flowering, 
and become an inch or an inch and a half long. A single flower 
occupies each bracteole, consisting of a two-celled ovary and two 
styles. Only one cell develops, so that the hard green fruit con- 
tains but one seed. The appearance of these fruits in autumn 
as they hang in a spray from the underside of the branches is 
quite distinct from those of any other of our native trees. 
