CHAPTER VII 

 A Seed and its Growth 



We have already seen how a seed is made, but have not 

 yet studied what it is. For this purpose, let us examine 

 some of the commonest seeds, those of bean, pea, and corn, 

 all of them large enough to show their parts. It is well to 

 have, besides the dry seeds, some that have been soaked 

 for two or three days, or at least overnight. 



Let us first notice the difference between the dry and the 

 soaked seeds. The dry seed is wrinkled and very hard. In 

 this condition it can remain for a long time. Handling does 

 not injure it, and it resists mold. So 

 long as it is kept from moisture it will 

 live for several years, although of course 

 it gradually grows weaker. But when it 

 is moistened it swells. Its hollows fill, 



j .. ■ , . , Fig. 29. — The parts 



and it is ready to sprout. of a bean 



A soaked bean will most readily show 

 the parts of a seed. One can easily remove the skin which 

 surrounds it, and which protected it from injury when 

 dry. The skin has served its purpose. 



The two parts which are now revealed can easily be sep- 

 arated. They are the largest part of the bean, two plump 

 leaves, called cotyledons. 



Where they joined, and now clinging to one of them, is 

 the most important part of the seed. It looks, at first 

 sight, somewhat like a little white worm, until a closer look 

 e 49 



