276 STRUCTURE AND VITAL PROCESSES OF PLANTS 



provided by the mother-plant. It can be observed in every 

 germinating seed, how the supply of food is gradually exhausted 

 as the plant grows. And it lasts just long enough for the young 

 plant to form roots and green leaves by which to obtain its 

 nourishment direct from the soil and air. (See germination of 

 Horse Gram p. 31, of Cucumber p. 73, and of Rice p. 1G9.) 



