122 Sargant and Robertson . — The Anatomy of the 
activity of the digestive process during the early stages of germination 1 . 
For on the one hand the convoluted surface of epithelium in the median 
zone of the scutellum must secrete a larger quantity of enzyme per unit of 
endosperm surface than the almost plane face of the scutellum near its 
apex, and on the other this extra supply of enzyme attacks the more 
digestible portion of the endosperm and rapidly exhausts it. This is well 
illustrated in the section of a seed which has begun to germinate : the 
region of empty cells has at one stage much the same outline as the floury 
endosperm of the dry seed, though a narrow band of exhausted tissue 
accompanies the scutellum to its very apex. 
If this explanation be true, the floury endosperm is digested very soon 
after germination by the activity of the highly developed epithelium which 
borders on it. In this way an immediate supply of food is obtained for the 
growing embryo while it is producing assimilating organs. The later 
supply is less liberal, since it is procured by the gradual action of enzyme 
on the horny endosperm, which is more difficult of digestion and also lies 
further from the secreting epithelium. 
Another member of the Maydeae, Coix Lachryma-Jobi , which has 
a fruit similar in structure to that of the Maize, likewise possesses glands in 
the epithelium of the scutellum, but they are less well-developed. 
The position of the transfusion tissue in the upper part of the scutellum 
is difficult to understand. Nor is the function of the numerous xylem 
elements within that tissue clear. The albuminoid cells no doubt serve 
to convey the proteids from the dorsal tissues of the scutellum to other 
parts of the embryo. Possibly the tracheids which are lignified so early in 
the branchlets may convey starch in a soluble form ; or they may carry 
water in the opposite direction, and irrigate the secreting epithelium. 
Quarry Hill, Reigate. 
July 29, 1904. 
1 See Reed, H. S., ‘A Study of the Enzyme-secreting Cells in the Seedlings of Zea Ma'is and 
Phoenix dactyliferal Ann. of Bot. vol. xviii, 1904, p. 267. 
