32 



BOUNCING BET. 



{Saponaria officinalis, L.) 



The seed is flat, somewhat disk-shaped, resembHng a Hma 

 bean and of a dull black color. In size it varies from 1 — 2 m.m. 



Figure 24 

 Fig. 24. Bouncing Bet. Epidermal cells. 



in length. Under the hand lens the surface is found to be rough- 

 ened and covered with small papilla-like projections which are 

 arranged in more or less parallel lines along the long axis of the 

 seed. 



The appearance of the epidermal cells under the microscope 

 when cleared is the best guide to a correct diagnosis. These cells 

 are large and saw-toothed in outline, with fairly distinct walls ^ 

 but the interior is clear, containing no dots or other characteris- 

 tic markings (a distinction from the epidermal cells of catchfly.) 

 (Fig. 24.) This seed is found whole and occasionally somewhat 

 broken, but usually is not ground fine enough to prevent identifi- 

 cation. 



SPURRY. 



{Spcrgula arvensis, L.) 



The seeds of this weed are very often found in concentrated 

 feeds, but are easily recognizable. They are about 1 m.m. broad, 

 circular, and flattened like a discus, and along the edge is a frill 



