216 



SCHOOL AND HOME GARDENS 



The conditions for germinating seeds will be more 

 uniform if the seed boxes are placed in a glass case. If 

 this cannot be easily obtained, a glass box made of 

 windowpanes may be constructed over the seed bed 

 after the seeds are planted. Push the glass into the soil 

 to a depth of two or three inches and tie the panes with 



FIG. 119. Germination of the Bean 



wire (see Fig. 118). The cover should be a size larger than 

 the side pieces. In case the soil becomes too moist, leave 

 an opening for ventilation. 



Germination of the bean. When a bean seed is planted, 

 it will absorb water through the micropyle. The water, 

 with the aid of heat and air, will prepare the food 

 material that is stored in the cotyledons so that it may 

 be made use of by the growing plant. As the hypocotyl 

 and plumule begin to grow, the testa bursts and remains 

 in the ground. A root then develops from the lower end 



