STATE HORTICULTUKAL SOCIETY. 



471 



and other weeds. It is probable, in preparing the land for 

 meadow, some of the seeds and fruits were deeply covered, and 

 thus in a measure retained their vitality. Through cultivation 

 the seeds and fruits have been turned up. The seeds of some 



(Cnicus pumilum) a. Achenium with pappus. 6. Single plumose thread. 

 c. A part of b. more highly magnified. 



orders differ greatly in their power of germination. The Le- 

 guminosse are capable of retaining their vitality for a long time, 

 as the seeds are often provided with hard protective coverings 

 (seed coats), which prevent decomposition. 



