GERMINATION. 



121 



GERMINATION. 



608. Definition. The recommencement of growth in the seed is 

 called germination. It is the awakening of the embryo from its tor- 

 por, and the beginning of development in its parts already formed, so 

 as to become a plant like its parent. 



Germination of the Beach-nut. 470, Cross-section, showing the folded cotyledons. 471, The 

 radicle only. 472, The ascending axis, above c, appears. 473, The cotyledons expand into the 

 primordial leaves. 474, The first true leaves. 



G09. Experiment. All the stages of this interesting process may be conveni- 

 ently observed, at any season, by an experiment. Let a few seeds, as of flax, 

 cotton, wheat, pea, be enveloped in a lock of cotton resting upon water in a bulb- 

 glass, and kept constantly at a proper temperature. Or, in spring, the garden soil 

 will give us examples of all kinds everywhere. 



610. That the seed may begin to grow, or germinate, it is first 

 planted, or, at least, placed in contact with warm, moist soil. Con- 

 cerning the proper depth of the planted seed agriculturalists are not 

 agreed ; but nature seems to indicate that no covering is needed beyond 

 what will secure the requisite moisture and shade. 



611. The process commenced. Thus situated the integuments 

 gradually absorb water, soften and expand. The insoluble, starchy 

 matter deposited in the cotyledons, or in the albumen, or in both, un- 

 dergoes a certain chemical change, becoming sweet and soluble, capable 

 of affording nourishment to the embryo now beginning to dilate and 

 develop its parts. First (in the winged seed of the maple, scattered 

 everywhere) the radicle is seen protruding from the micropyle, or the 



