OF GERMINATION. 97 
198. In the next stage of growth 
(Fig. 820) the two stalks of the cotyle- 
dons (s, petioles, Less. [.), make their 
appearance, and from between them, at 
the top of the rootlet, the plumule 
shoots forth, a little stem with a bud 
at the top, directing its course up- 
wards. The rootlet, meanwhile, has 
grown longer, entered the soil, and 
divided itself into branches and fibres 
all covered over with fine white hairs. 
These hairs, called fibrils, may be 
seen under a microscope, as in Fig. 
322, which represents the end of a a oo = crag os 
fibre of Maple with its fibrils much popuited underalene show, 
magnified. ing the fibrils. 
199. Up to this stage, the growing rootlet and bud have 
drawn all their nourishment from the store of food laid up 
beforehand in the thick cotyledons for this very purpose; but 
“now the rootlet has reached the soil, and by means of its 
numerous fibrils, which are so many little mouths, it is begin- 
ning to draw its nourishment from the earth. 
200. Another acorn, or the same one a few days later 
(Fig. 321), shows root and stem well organized, and the young 
Oak fairly started on its grand journey of growth and life. 
The root has descended deeper and spread its branches wider 
196. What is the meaning of the word germination? Describe the section 
of an acorn in Fig. 318. 
197. Describe that stage of growth seen in Fig. 319. 
198. Describe the third stage, as represented in Fig. 820. 
199. The first source of food for the embryo? the second ? 
200. How does the plant appear in Fig. 321? 
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