CHAPTER VIII 

 STUDIES OF SEED-PLANTS 



134. This chapter will direct the study of the parts of seed- 

 plants which are most modified in adaptation to various 

 habits of life. Since many seed-plants are peculiar only with 

 regard to some one organ, it is most interesting to study and 

 compare corresponding parts of various plants rather than 

 compare entire plants with each other. Accordingly, we 

 shall study (1) types of seeds and their germination, (2) roots, 

 (3) stems, (4) leaves, (5) flowers, (6) fruits in each case 

 giving attention to special uses of these organs in the life- 

 activities of the plants which possess them. Prominence is 

 given to the seed-plants because they are so common and so 

 important economically. 



TYPES OF SEEDS AND SEEDLINGS 



135. The bean seed has served as an introduction to the 

 structure and germination or awakening of seeds ; but with- 

 out examination of such seeds as pea, squash, castor-oil 

 plant and corn it will be difficult to understand the peculiari- 

 ties of germination which one may see in any garden where 

 many different kinds of plants are grown. In 140 is given 

 a special list of seeds for optional study by members 

 of the class who work rapidly and at the same time care- 

 fully, or who are in advance of the class because some of 

 the germination studies are reviews of nature-study lessons 

 taken in the elementary schools. 



136. Pea Seed. (L) Materials : dry peas, both smooth and 

 wrinkled varieties ; some soaked in water 24 hours ; seedlings of 



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