THE PISTIL. 



117 



Are they alike in thickness ? in hardness ? in color ? 

 in transparency ? Name all the differences you see be- 

 tween them. 



In the same way, take up and examine, one after an- 

 other, seeds from each of the rows. Find their parts, and 

 compare the parts of one kind of seed with those of an- 

 other kind. 



If you are not able at first readily to separate a seed 

 into distinct portions, do not hastily conclude that it is 

 without them. Let it lie in its warm, wet bed a while 

 longer, and then try again. 



EXERCISE LIII. 

 Parts of the Body, or Kernel. 



When you have carefully examined all the kinds of 

 seeds you planted to find the parts that make them up, you 

 will be ready to study one of these parts by itself. After 



FIG. 364. FIG. 365. FIG. 366. 



Albumen. Embryo. Embryo. 



taking off the skin or coat of a seed, look closely at the 

 body of it. Begin with a well-soaked seed of Indian corn. 



Compare it with Fig. 364. 



Is your seed narrower at one end than the other ? 

 Are the two sides of it alike ? Is there a little pointed or 

 rounded figure to be seen on one side ? 



Remove the skin and look carefully at the figured side 

 of your specimen. Can you see a thick, lumpy body like 

 the one marked a in the picture ? 



Try, with a dull knife or the finger-nail, to pry this 

 lump out of its bed. If the seed is soaked to its center. 



