ANTHOPETTA. 



243 



bryo proper is composed of a little stem ending in a short 

 root below and bearing a number of little leaves (cotyle- 

 dons) above. The stem ends in a bud, above and within 



Fio. 144.— Part of a Pine-ovule. 01), the body of the ovule ; w, embryo- 

 sac filled with endosperm, en, which contains two large cells (rudimentary 

 archegones) ; «, neck of archegone ; ■pt, pollen tubes growing upward into 

 necks of archegones. Magnified 30 times. 



the whorl of leaves. During the growth of the embryo 

 the ovule enlarges, and its coat becomes thicker and harder, 

 and at last, when growth within has ceased, it separates 

 from the parent-plant as a seed (Fig. 145, /). 



459. In germinating the seed first absorbs water and 

 swells so as to burst its thick coat ; the root elongates and 

 pushes out into the soil (Pig. 145, A), soon sending out 

 little branches. The leaves (cotyledons) are in contact 

 with the endosperm, which is rich in starchy and sugary 

 matters, affording the plantlet food for its growth. 



