HOW A PLANT GETS OUT OF THE SEED. 



21 



very much swollen and that where the seed-scar occurs the seed- 

 coat is split. A day later a small root pushes its way out. As 

 this root becomes longer 3 on will notice a small projection, the 

 squash peg", which was mentioned in connection with the seed. 

 Fig. 24. In four days this root is much longer than the seed. 



Figure 25. ' 



Pumpkin germinating showing 

 more advanced stage, p p pump- 

 kin peg. 



Figure 24. 



Pumpkin in process of 

 germinating, trying to ex- 

 tricate itself from its seed- 

 coats. // pumpkin peg. 



The seed-coat is forced apart, and "the 



seed leaves are trying to "back out of the 



seed." The progressive changes should 



be carefully watched and drawn. The 



first root has produced smaller roots. Fig. 24. 

 These push their way through the soil, now 

 in one direction, then in another. If you will 

 now examine the seeds which have not been 

 disturbed you w T ill notice jthe arch and a part 

 of the two seed-leaves trying to push trjem- 

 selves above the ground. A little later they 

 have succeeded, the small stem is curved, the 

 two seed-leaves are horizontal with their ends 

 partially spread apart. Let us wait a little 

 longer. You will notice that the stem is 

 slightly curved, the small leaves are straight. 

 Fig. 26. The seed leaves gradually unfold 

 and the little plumule may be seen. The 

 first real leaf grows rapidly, followed by 

 others. 



Figure 26. 



Squash with two cotyle- 

 dons. Seed leaves folded 

 lengthwise. 



