28 



THE WHEAT CULTIJRIST. 



The germination of a kernel of wheat is further illus- 

 trated by the figure herewith given, which represents 

 a grain of wheat highly magnified. B represents the 

 body of the kernel, composed of starch and glnten. A 

 is the cellular tissue, the original covering of the embryo 

 blade. C is the main root ; and D shows the hard cellular 

 matter which constitutes the base of growth of the root 

 and stem. E, E, E are free cones of cells at the 

 points of roots. F, F are lateral roots, a is the future 

 stalk or plumule, d is the course of bundle of dotted 

 fibre. 6, 6, e are suckers ; and i represent the course 

 of spiral fibre. A, A, A show the cellular tissue, or 

 covering of the blade. 



Fig. 4. 



Spongioles. 



I have met with certain botanists who sneer at the 

 idea of there being spongioles at the ends of the roots 

 of wheat. Yet, all the most reliable authors of trea- 

 tises on botanical subjects speak of spongioles. And if 



