CHAPTER LV. 
SEEDS AND THEIR GERMINATION. 
The seed of a plant is the true fvwt of the plant, and 
contains within itself an entirely new plant in embryo, which, 
as in animal life, will resemble the parents from which it 
originates. 
The operation of raising new plants from seed is a most 
interesting one to most persons, from early childhood to old 
age, yet the simple requirements of germination are not 
sufficiently understood by the majority. 
Seeds vary considerably in size, from the dust-like seed 
of lobelia, calceolaria, and fern, to the large seed of the 
cocoa-nut palm and others. They also have an almost 
infinite number of forms, and are turned by man to as great 
a variety of economic uses. The seeds of Cycas circinalis are 
of use to the Cingalese (natives of Ceylon), in the production 
of bread; a flour being prepared from the seeds and made into 
cakes. Nutmegs are seeds of a handsome tree (Myristica 
fragrans), a native of the East Indian Archipelago. The 
seeds of the common Horse Chestnut are used in Switzerland 
and Turkey for feeding sheep, horses, &c. Guarana bread 
is made in Brazil from the pounded seeds of Paullinia sorbilis, 
and is sold in the form of rolls or sticks. It is used both as 
food and medicine, and especially in the preparation of a 
refreshing drink. The importance of the seed of rice, wheat, 
rye, lentils, peas, and beans as food for man is well known. 
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