61 



Judging from the results of many experiments there are 

 many seeds which show a more or less marked peculiarity in the 

 rate of absorption. We have already considered the clover seed, 

 we have noted a slight variation in corn and peas, and have 

 considered briefly the same, but more marked differences and 

 peculiarities of the lupines. In this experiment the lupines 

 show extremely peculiar properties with regard to absorption. 

 By reference to table 19, it will be seen that in Exp.l these 

 seeds increased in weight v/hen soaked in all solutions - except 

 50 %\ (even including the absolute alcohol.) In Exp. 2. on the 

 other hand 3eeds 3oaked one hundred twenty hours in 30 % al- 

 cohol do not gain in weight, while those in 20 % fail to ab- 

 sorb anything until between seventy two and ninety six hours. 

 Another peculiar behavior of some seeds is shown in Exp. 2. In 

 the 50 % alcohol the seeds gained 11,3 grams during the first 

 twenty four hours, and fail to increase thereafter. 



The results of this and former experiments indicate that 

 the constitution of the seed coat of some seeds is of such a 

 nature that it will not allow water to penetrate it readily. 

 However, if water does find an entrance to the embryo, or en- 

 dosperm, this swells rapidly and by so doing stretches the seed 

 coat. The stretching of the seed coat produces a change in its 

 structure which permits quite free admission of water. 



