536 
Gibbs. — On the Development of the 
distinct till they are separately inserted on the strobilus system. It is there- 
fore obvious that one cannot describe the fertile bract properly as a 4 carpel 
considering that there is no vascular connexion with the ovular tissues. 
In the older or pre-fertilization stage the ovuliferous scale has grown 
well above the bract (Fig. 16, o. s. and f. br.). 
The scale or 4 epimatium * can, however, hardly be described as greatly 
exceeding the 4 carpel nor can. we speak of these 4 carpels * as extremely 
rudimentary. They are, on the contrary, well-developed bracts, showing 
a transitory strobilus organization instead of a permanent one as in Saxe- 
gothaea. This organization is for the development and protection of the 
ovule till the ovuliferous scale can assume independent function. 
The peculiar semicircular ridge formed by the apical portion of the 
ovuliferous scale is very prominent. Sometimes it projects in two or three 
points (Fig. 14, o. s.), but this effect is no doubt due to contraction of tissue. 
More than half the ovules sectioned were found to be full of tiny insect 
eggs, which replaced the integument. 
Histology. In longitudinal section of the pre-fertilization stage the 
lamina of the fertile bract is now very inconspicuous in relation to the well- 
developed ovuliferous scale (PL L, Fig. 17, lam.f \ br .). 
The ovuliferous scale shows the same foliar structure as in § Dacry- 
CARPUS. There is a cuticularized epidermis and well-developed mesophyll 
with many tannin cells, but as yet no lignified tissue in the scale which 
reacts to phloroglucin. 
In transverse section of the dividing megaspore stage, taken through 
the centre of the nucellus, eight bundles are shown in the adherent lamina 
of the ovuliferous scale (PI. LIII, Fig. 72). The vascular system of the ovuli- 
ferous scale consists of four distinct bundles with inverted orientation and 
accompanied by four resin canals, which arise in the apex of'the scale, and 
form a ring-Hke expansion at the base of the ovule, where each bundle divides 
again, and the eight branches run down the adherent lamina of the ovuli- 
ferous scale surrounding the ovule. 
The epidermal tannin layer of the micropylar apex of the integument 
is well shown, also the tanniferous nutritive zone at the base. A similar 
layer limits the nucellus, and phloem strands show on each side penetrating 
both zones of tannin cells. Surrounding the megaspore is a tapetum of 
several layers of cells. 
In Fig. 73 a transverse section of the same series, taken through the 
micropyle, shows the four main bundles, which have again approached each 
other, on the axial side of the scale towards the base of the latter. On the 
opposite side the apical portion of the integument is seen, still limited by 
the zone of tannin cells. In the lamina of the ovuliferous scale which 
surrounds the integument, the resin canals belonging to the ring of vascular 
bundles shown in Fig. 72 are still apparent, as they are continued beyond 
