390 A TEXTBOOK OF BOTANY [Cn. VIII, 6 



seed coats are developing around both. Thus is reached the 

 stage of the fully formed EMBRYO within the seed. 



The final stage is that of dissemination, performed by the 

 SEED. A considerable time often elapsing either before 

 transport or during that process, with simultaneous 

 exposure to extreme conditions, the seed goes into a resting 

 condition with all of its processes reduced to a minimum, 

 and with provision against premature germination. Then, 

 separating from the parent plant, it becomes transported 

 by wind, animals, or other locomotive agency, acting upon suit- 

 ably developed mechanisms, to a distance sufficient to per- 

 mit the free development of its plant without interference 

 with the parent. Having attained a suitable place, its 

 resting period ended, and water, air, and warmth sup- 

 plied, the seed germinates. But with germination the 

 cycle is closed. If the term cycle seem inappropriate, since 

 the return is not to the same seed, then the simile of the 

 spiral, winding back to the same starting line, may better 

 express the process. 



