GERMINATION. 139 



Germination of Plants with two Seed-lobes. 



In this class of plants, the parts, from being usually 

 larger, are more easily observed than in those with one 

 seed-lobe, the radicle projecting like a small cone, and 

 the naked gemlet lying between the two lobes. I 

 shall again follow Malpighi in tracing the progressive 

 growth of the pea. 



After being planted or moistened in a dark place for 

 one day, the shell becomes softer, whiter, and thinner, 

 and while the scar remains shut, an irregular opening 

 occurs near it. On stripping off the shell, the two seed- 

 lobes are seen distinct, having the small gemlet with 

 yellow leaves, and the white radicle between them, 

 while the neck is seen united to each seed-lobe by a 

 minute stem. The second day the shell gives way, and 

 the radicle protrudes. The third day it sends out 

 many rootlets, while the seed-lobes separate and show 

 the gemlet. By the fifth day the white stem mounts 

 upward with the curved green gemlet on the summit. 

 By the end of the seventh day the whole is much 

 advanced, there being distinct knots on the stem, the 

 radicle much lengthened, and the seed-lobes, when 

 pressed, giving out a bitter juice. By the ninth day 

 the plant is completely formed, while the seed-lobes 

 are shrinking, and at the end of a month they are thin 

 and wrinkled. 



It would be an interesting exercise for the young 

 botanist to watch the progress of germination in this 

 manner. 



