SEEDS AND SEEDLINGS 33 
heavy kernel contains a stronger embryo and a larger food supply upon 
which the young seedling draws for several weeks. 
19. The seedlings that have been robbed of their cotyledons fail to 
grow as well as the others, because these cotyledons contain much food 
for the growing plant. In case of the pea the cotyledons serve no other 
purpose to the seedling than to supply it with nourishment. In the 
bean also this is no doubt their most important function, although they 
may be of some use as leaves. 
20. It will easily be found that plants with one cotyledon have 
parallel-veined leaves, and plants with two cotyledons have netted- 
veined leaves. We do not know the reason for this coincidence, but it 
is a curious and interesting fact with which plant students should be 
familiar. 
