SEED. 
117 
When the seed is fully ripe, the connexion between it and 
the pericarp, ceases by the withering and separation of the 
connecting membrane, leaving upon the outer surface of the 
seed the mark of its insertion. This eye or scar is very 
conspicuous in the bean, which also exhibits the pore 
through which the nourishment was conveyed to the inter- 
nal parts of the seed. That part of the seed which con- 
tains the eye is called the base ; the part opposite, is called 
the apex. 
2nd. The Husk, is the outer coat of the seed which on boiling 
becomes separate ; as in peas, beans, Indian corn, &c. this 
skin is also called the spermoderm from the Greek words, 
sperma, signifying seed and derma skin. The spermoderm 
or skin of the seed consists of three coats, analogous to the 
three divisions of the pericarp ; the external skin, called 
the testa or cuticle corresponds to the epicarp or outer 
covering of the pericarp ; the cellular tissue called mesos- 
perm, corresponds to the mesocarp, or middle of the peri- 
carp ; and the internal skin or endosperm corresponds to 
the endocarp or inside skin of the pericarp.* 
The husk surrounds the kernel ; it is essential, as the 
kernel which was originally a fluid, could not have been 
formed without its presence. 
3d. The Kernel, includes all that is contained within the husk 
or spermoderm ; it is also called the nucleus or almond of 
the seed. The kernel is usually composed of the albumen, 
cotyledon and embryo. The Albumen, is that part of the 
kernel which invests the cotyledons or lobes, and is thought 
to afford the same support to the germinating embryo, that 
the white of an egg does to a chicken. Both in respect to 
hardness and color, the albumen in many seeds, greatly 
resembles the white of a boiled egg. It is not considered 
an essential part of the seed, because it is sometimes want- 
ing ; but when present it supports and defends the embryo, 
while imprisoned in the seed, and serves for nutriment 
when it begins to germinate. It has no connexion with 
the embryo and is always so distinct as to be easily detach- 
ed from it. Albumen makes up the chief part of some 
seeds, as the grasses, corn, &c ; in the nutmeg, which has 
very small cotyledons, it is remarkable for its variegated 
appearance and aromatic quality. It chiefly abounds in 
plants which are furnished with but one cotyledon. 
* These three divisions may not always seem distinct, as in some cases, 
the mesosperm. is scarcely to be separated from the cuticle. 
Husk — Spermoderm, divisions — Cuticle — Mesosperm — Endosperm — Husk 
essential — Kernel — How divided! — Albumen — 
