CHAPTER XXXIV 

 HOW PLANTS GROW 



229. In order to be able best to care for plants in 

 the home, in the garden, or on the farm, it is necessary 

 to know a few things in detail concerning seeds, roots, 

 stems, leaves, flowers, and fruits. If we know something 

 of the structure and uses of each part of a plant and the 

 conditions under which each part can thrive best, we shall 

 be more successful in growing plants. To know the use 

 of each part will also enable us to 

 protect it from its enemies, such 

 as insects and parasitic diseases. 



230. Seeds. Place a few beans 

 (large beans will be best) in water 

 for about twenty-four hours or in 

 warm water for a few hours and KIDNEY BEANS 



then examine them carefully. The One is s P lit: P en to show 



. . r the embryo plant. 



outer covering, consisting of a 



leather-like membrane, can easily be removed. After this 

 covering is taken off the bean divides easily into two 

 equal parts; each half is a seed leaf. At the end of one 

 of the halves is a very small bean plant, with root, stem, 

 and leaves. Two leaves are plainly visible; when the 

 beans are planted the longer part of the young plant grows 

 down into the ground and forms the roots. When this 

 tiny bean plant starts to grow it needs food. This food 

 is in the two halves of the bean. Beans are food for man 

 and also for the young plant in each bean, when it grows. 



