ANATOMY OF THE SEED 163 



Following are points of importance in the teaching of these 

 four essentials : - 



(1) On Observation.- -It is of first importance that the stu- 

 dent learn to see natural facts absolutely as such, uninfluenced 

 by any explanation of them. Hence he should be kept at 

 work upon the Lima Beans until he has clearly seen (as shown 

 by his drawings and notes, and under questioning) which of 

 his specimens are average or most typical ; what their shape 

 and color is ; the radiating markings, stopping short of the 

 edge ; faint concentric markings (not always visible) ; on the 

 concave edge a large scar, at one end of which is a tiny pit, 

 and at the other a tiny raised yellowish triangle, which con- 

 tinues into a faint ridge ending in a more raised portion, the 

 latter making an angle as seen from the side. Observation 

 consists not only in seeing all these things, but in seeing them 

 in their proper relative positions and connections. Names and 

 uses should not be given until after the things have been seen, 

 some curiosity aroused as to their use, and a need felt for 

 names for them. 



On removing the seed-coat, the student should' see that this 

 is single (actually two united, though usually he cannot see 

 that) ; also the thick line representing the ridge he saw out- 

 side ; and the lack of any connection between exterior mark- 

 ings and the structures inside, excepting only the position of 

 the micropyle over the end of the hypocotyl (not of course 

 at first using those terms). 



In the embryo he should see that hypocotyl and epicotyl are 

 united, one the continuation of the other ; that the cotyledons 

 are lateral growths of the hypocotyl ; and that the plumule 

 consists of a short stalk bearing two folded veined leaves, one 

 partially enclosed in the other. 



(2) On Comparison.- -The student should see that some 



