216 SCHOOL AND HOME GARDENS 
The conditions for germinating seeds will be more 
uniform if the seed boxes are placed in a glass case. If 
this cannot be easily obtained, a glass box made of 
windowpanes may be constructed over the seed bed 
after the seeds are planted. Push the glass into the soil 
to a depth of two or three inches and tie the panes with 
Fie. 119. Germination of the Bean 
wire (see Fig. 118). The cover should be a size larger than 
the side pieces. In case the soil becomes too moist, leave 
an opening for ventilation. 
Germination of the bean. When a bean seed is planted, 
it will absorb water through the micropyle. The water. 
with the aid of heat and air, will prepare the food 
material that is stored in the cotyledons so that it may 
be made use of by the growing plant. As the hypocotyl 
and plumule begin to grow, the testa bursts and remains 
in the ground. A root then develops from the lower end 
