74 



STKUCTUKAL BOTANY. 



[62, 63. 



CHAPTER XIII. 



GEKMINATION. 



188. The recommencement of growth in the seed 

 is called germination. It is the awakening of the 

 embryo from its torpor, and the beginning of develop- 

 ment in its parts already formed, so as to become a 

 plant like its parent. 



218 



Germination of the B-xschnut.ZlS, Cross-section, showing the folded cotyledons. 219, The radicle 

 only. 220, The ascending axis, above c, appears, 221, The cotyledons expand into the primordial 

 leaves. 222, The first true leaves. 



189. All the stages of this interesting process may be conveniently ob- 

 served, at any season, by an experiment. Let a few seeds, as of flax, cotton, 

 or wheat, 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. 



190. That the seed may begin to grow, or germi- 

 nate, it is first planted; or, at least, placed in contact 

 with warm, moist soil. Concerning the proper depth 



