SEEDS AND FRUITS 179 



tlie soil two weeks before the observations are to be 

 made, and a similar number in a tumbler with damp 

 blotting paper three or four days before. Dissect 

 one of each kind which has been treated in the 

 latter way. The seed is made up almost entirely 

 from two large swollen seed leaves or cotyledons, 

 which readily separate when the coats are removed. 

 At one side, holding the cotyledons together, may 

 be seen the young plant, consisting of the root, em- 

 hryonic stem, and the minute leaves, or plumule. To 

 what part are the cotyledons attached ? 



If the seeds which Avere placed in the soil in 

 boxes or in the ground are now observed, the be- 

 havior of the cotyledons may be followed. Both 

 contain the reserve food for the young plant, and 

 yield it as needed. What position do the cotyle- 

 dons take in each case? How long do they endure, 

 and what is their fate ? Make drawings illustrating 

 the points made. 



The development of the leaves also offers a point 

 of interest. Make drawings of the first, second, 

 and third leaves of the bean, and note the differ- 

 ence in their structure. Make drawings and note 

 form of the five leaves which appear first on the 

 stem of the pea. It will be seen in both instances 



