GERMINATION OF AMAEYLLIDE.E. 



421 



both of these sustenance is conveyed to the young plant ; certainly through 

 the inner one, which shows more visible chlorophyll than the outer. 



1 have explained (Journal R.H.S., Vol. xxvii. p. 855) the cause 

 which determines the curvature of this Original Process. A second 

 curvature of the Radicle takes place so soon as the tip is sufficiently 

 developed to sustain chemical reactions. At this period other " radial " 

 roots may issue from the disc (or true root-stock) if such is sufficiently 

 developed at the time. The whole of these roots shun light and dry air, 

 and seek in the damp ground the physical and chemical conditions which 

 they alone can convert to the use of the plant, and from this moment the 

 Radicle becomes a true root and a specialised organ. 



This second curvature of the Radicle may be of sufficient strength to 

 influence the direction of the entire Original Process. It is interesting 

 to observe the differentiation of function that takes place in the Original 

 Process from the moment of issue until the apex becomes a root. 



Fig. 110. — Seed of Crinum Mooeei, germinating. Life size. 



The cylindrical cover of the Original Process (cotyledon of some authors) partly 

 removed between the points A and B, so as to disclose the inner leaf-shaped 

 process connecting the seed with the growing plant. 



First of all it has to carry its precious, but at this period invisibly 

 minute, burden — the Growing Point — from the seed to a safe distance, 

 and, if possible, bury it in the ground. Then it suffers some arrest, or 

 retardation of growth, until a young bulb has been formed out of the food 

 stored in the Cotyledon. Then it undergoes a process of scaling or peeling, 

 root-fimbriae emerge from its apex, chemical action begins, and it plunges 

 off again on a fresh errand, ready to provide the young plant with food 

 against the period when it must be weaned from the almost atrophied 

 tissue of the Cotyledon. 



I have attached a short diary of observations (microscopic in part) 

 made during the period under review, and explanatory of fig. 110. 



Seed of ' Crinum Moorei ' during gestative period. 

 Oct. 20. Emergence of Original Process. 



Oct. 22. No signs of curvature, or of fimbriae upon the apex, but microscope revealed 

 presence of glands. 



Oct. 24. Undoubted signs of curvature. 



