VIII. SEEDS AND FRUITS 



208. The seed. — After the embryo has reached 

 a certain stage of development it becomes quiescent 

 and remains so until the time and opportunity ar- 

 rives for it to grow in the germination of the seed. 

 During the development of the embryo from the egg, 

 reserve foods for its use during germination in the 

 shape of oil, starch, sugar, or j^rotei?! may be depos- 

 ited in its seed-leaves, or in the seed-coats, or in other 

 organs developed for that purpose. 



209. The existence of the seed. — Generally about 

 the time that the embryo has completed growth and 

 the deposit of food has been made, the seed or fruit 

 is separated from the parent plant, though this is 

 not always the case. Germination of the seed takes 

 place when it secures proper conditions of season, 

 tnoisture, and temjjeratiire. This may be in a few 

 days or several years. Some seeds actually grow 

 before separation from the parent plant, while others 

 may remain quiescent during the lifetime of a man. 



