482 GRAMINE^. TRUE GRASSES 



germination commences; in most grasses, however, secondary 

 roots first appear some time after the single primary root has 

 grown out from the caryopsis. 



Ex. 247. — Examine the roots of any grass. Observe as far as possible 

 their origin, and note if they branch extensively. 



Ex. 248. — Cut transverse and longitudinal sections of any well-developed 

 grass stem at and between the nodes. Note if hollow or solid all through. 



Examine the leaves of barley and oats and many common grasses. Note 

 the split leaf-sheath, the flat or rolled blade, and the character of the ligule 

 if present. 



Ex. 249. — Make an examination of the inflorescences of a number of common 

 grasses in order to understand the various parts, viz., the lachis, and the 

 spikelet with its rachilla and bracts. Which are the empty glumes, flowering 

 glumes, and palea in each spikelet ? 



Ex. 250. — Dissect out the flowers from any common grasses, noting the form 

 and position of the stigma, the number of stamens, and the position, number 

 and form of the lodicules in each. 



Ex. 251. — Watch the unfolding of the total inflorescences of Yorkshire Fog, 

 Tall Oat-Grass, and other grasses with panicles. What positions do the 

 branches take before and after flowering ? 



Ex. 252. — Cut transverse sections of several grains of barley, oats, wheat, 

 rye and maize. Note the ' mealiness ' or ' flintiness ' of the endosperm in 

 each. 



