Rural School Leaflet. 923 



where it was attached to the pod in which it grew. In many varieties 

 it is white, but the well-know^n " Black-eyed Marrowfat " received its 

 name from the color of this scar. 



The seed divides readily into two sections, between which one may 

 see with a lens the germ of the future plant, its small white leaves tightly 

 folded into the smallest possible space, but all ready to spring into 

 growth the moment that right conditions of soil and moisture are given. 

 The sprout pushes through the skin at a point very near the scar on 

 the seed-coat, and root and leaf-shoot emerge from the same place 

 but immediately turn in opposite directions of growth, the leaf reaching 

 upward for light and root plunging downward into the soil. Some 

 part of the plant absorbs the food stored in the seed, as growth is much 

 retarded by its removal before it is withered, but it does not appear 

 above ground like its relative, the bean. The root forms many slender 

 branches near the tips of which may be seen the fringe of hair-like 

 feeding roots which absorb the plant-food from the soil. Drying or 

 freezing of the feeding roots will destroy the plant. Smooth-shelled 

 peas thrive best in a cool, damp soil and atmosphere and are, therefore, 

 planted as early as the soil can be worked. A frost which does not 

 penetrate the soil will do them little injury. 



Observations by pupils. — 



1. What is the color of the dried pea? Is it of the same color inside? 

 Is its skin wrinkled or smooth? Is the skin thin and delicate or rather 

 thick and tough ? 



2. What do you think is the cause of the spot or scar on the side of 

 the seed? Does the scar differ in color in different kinds of peas? 



3. Is the seed solid or does it part readily into sections? How 

 many? 



4. Split a seed carefully and look at it with a lens. Can you see the 

 germ of the plant within? Soak some seeds for a few hours and then 

 note whether the germs show more plainly. Can you see anything 

 of the form which the future plant will have? 



5. If you can obtain a letter-scale, weigh a few peas, noting how 

 many seeds there are in a quarter or half-ounce. Then soak them 

 over night and weigh again to find what amount of water must be 

 absorbed by the seed before it is in good condition for the germ to start 

 into growth. 



6. At what point does the " sprout " break through the seed cover- 

 ing? Do the root and leaf-shoot emerge from the same place or at dif- 

 ferent points? Which is the first to appear? Does the fleshy part of 



