MAIZE. GERMINATION. 105 



ment of both ovule and ovary ; its form is compressed conical, the 

 apex of the cone being the basal point of attachment of the fruit. 



I. Strip off the external coat of the fruit: this 

 represents both the wall of the ovary and the 

 integument of the ovule. 



If sections be cut, these two layers may be distinguished from 

 one another, under a low power. 



Distinguish in the body of the fruit which 

 remains 



1. A lateral, smaller, white portion: this is the 

 Embryo. 



2. A larger yellow part, which forms the greater 

 mass of the fruit : this is the Endosperm. 



Separate the embryo from the rest, and note its 

 shape. 



II. Cut longitudinal sections of the fruit, so as to 

 include the axis of the embryo : mount in glycerine, 

 and examine with a low power ; observe 



i. The coat of the fruit, consisting of two layers. Note 

 at the apex of the fruit the remnant of the Style, and 

 at the base the attachment. 



ii. The Endosperm, consisting of thin-walled par- 

 enchyma; the cells contain polygonal starch grains, 

 embedded in a matrix of protoplasm : in the peripheral 

 yellower portion of the endosperm the starch grains 

 are more closely packed than in the central whiter 

 portion. 



iii. The Embryo, which is in close apposition to the 

 endosperm : the part which is in contact with it is the 

 Scutellum (cotyledon); it extends over the whole 

 surface of contact, and almost completely surrounds the 



