GERMINATION. 7 



5. Observation of the germinating beans 

 will show that the root, on its emergence from 

 the seed, does not grow straight down into the 

 soil but bends in an arch near the seed and 

 then grows straight downwards. This arch is 

 generally the first thing which makes its ap- 

 pearance above the soil, and, from its form and 

 structure, is well fitted to thrust aside the 

 particles of earth. After the arch is formed 

 the young plant is firmly anchored in the soil 

 by means of the root. 



6. The arch has then another duty to per- 

 form ; the seed-coat still covers the cotyledons 

 and the plumule, which must be liberated. 

 The seed-coat is held fast by the soil sticking 

 to it ; the arch continues to grow in an upward 

 direction, and, as a result, the cotyledons are 

 withdrawn from the seed-coat, much in the 

 same manner as a hand is drawn out of a 

 glove. When this is done the arch straightens 

 out and the plant grows into an upright 

 position. 



7. In order that the seed-coat may be held 

 firmly by the soil and not be drawn out by the 

 plant's movements during germination, seeds 

 are frequently provided with projections, spines 

 or hairs, which becoming attached to the soil 

 afford the necessary firmness of hold. In some 



