HOW A PLANT GETS OUT OF THE SEED. 



the primary root becomes very long, containing few rootlets. The 

 primary root is not straight, but bent first in one direction then in 

 another. Fig. 28. If these seedlings are placed on moist sand, the 

 top bends toward the ground and soon forces its way into the loose 

 sand. Examine young corn plants two or three weeks old and 

 you may be able to make out the first joint above the ground. 

 Fig. 29. If you will watch the progress of these you can see small 



rootlets coming from 

 this joint. A corn 

 plant early begins to 

 form its air roots. These 

 roots are directed to- 

 wards the earth. When 

 they strike it, small root 

 hairs and small rootlets 

 are formed. 



Figure 29. 



Figure 30. 



Peanut in process of germ" 



Germinating corn. Nutritious material in seed ex- nat j O n. /plumule; rat cot\l; 

 r nodal roots. dons. 



