122 MANUAL OF NATURB STUDY. 



It is througli this orifice that the ovule was 

 fertilized by the pollen, and through this ori- 

 fice that moisture penetrates the seed to dissolve 

 the sugar which the sun has made from the starch 

 already in store. If it were not for this opening 

 the bean, or grain of corn, would lie in water 

 many days before showing signs of germination. , 

 The outer seed coat has a great variety of colors 

 and forms, ranging from black down through the 

 shades of gray, brown and sometimes yellow, white 

 or red. 



The wing-like and hairy appendages, curved, 

 pointed and barbed processes are but modifications 

 of the outer seed coat. What is the purpose of the 

 parachute of the dandelion? Of milk-weed? These 

 are but modifications of the outer seed coat, or 

 testa. 



Do these parachutes serve any purpose other than 

 distribution by the wind? They serve the purpose of 

 guiding the seed point end downward so that it can 

 work itself into the soil. Let the children observe 

 this fact. Also iron weed, goldenrod, etc., may be 

 observed and discussed in the same way. Notice 

 the long, delicate silky hairs on the seeds of wil- 

 lows. How do they serve the seeds in dissemina- 

 tion? Do they serve any other purpose? Notice 

 the muddy places which are adapted for the growth 

 of \villows catch these seeds while the dry places, 



