Seed- Beds. 95 



should then be slightly dried, when they will be 

 ready for the nursery. 



The seed-beds should be dug up to the depth of 

 a foot, all roots and stones being picked out. The 

 surface must then be nicely smoothed over, when the 

 beans may be placed in straight drills and at equal 

 distances from each other, being then lightly 

 covered over with fine mould. Over this a layer of 

 rotten leaves may be spread two inches thick, the 

 bed being then well watered at least once every 

 three days, if the weather be dry, until germination 

 takes place. In about six weeks the seeds will 

 begin to force their way above ground, and to send 

 a root downwards, and the layer of decayed leaves 

 may then be gently and carefully removed. 



The following correct and interesting description 

 of the process of germination I found somewhere, 

 though I am unfortunately unable to give the 

 name of the writer : " Let the seed with its parch- 

 ment be laid only upon a wet soil, and you will see 

 it open itself a little. A pedicle peeps out, an 

 extremity of which leans towards the ground. 

 Here two radicles are seeking and soon grasp their 

 nurse. The other extremity rears itself up, loaded 

 with the whole seed. In a short time two follicles 

 almost round, and of a thin yellow colour, unfold 

 themselves from the very substance of the seed, and 

 shake off the parchment. The stigma or fissure 



