Germination of Helianthus annuus . 719 
seedling, and many other species, showing plainly a decrease in the value of 
the iodine number as germination progresses. 
During certain periods of germination the weight of the seedlings 
decreases but little, and even increases. For example, the total weight of the 
seedlings in Stage II, when the hypocotyls have reached a length of 7-5 to 
ii *5 cm., is a little more than the same number of seedlings two days younger, 
when the length of the hypocotyls is only 2*5 to 3-5 cm.; the decrease in 
weight from Stage II to Stage III is very small also. These facts point 
to an absorption of oxygen by the oil, as suggested by Hellriegel and others, 
but it can only be definitely proven by an ultimate analysis of the oil. 
The free fatty acid in the oil of the cotyledons of the resting seed 
is less than one per cent. During the early stages of germination this 
per cent, increases very slowly, and when the seedlings are breaking through 
the ground it amounts to only 1 -6. From that period it rises rapidly, and 
when the plant has reached the ten-day stage it amounts to i the ether 
extract. 
The acid of the ether extract of the hypocotyls and roots increases 
rapidly from the beginning, and in the later stages composes over \ of the 
oily content of these parts. These facts indicate that during the course of 
