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MANUAL OF NATURE STUDY. 
It is through this orifice that the ovule was 
fertilized by the pollen, and through this ori¬ 
fice that moisture penetrates the seed to dissolve 
the sugar which the sun has made from the starch 
already in store. If it were not for this opening 
the bean, or grain of corn, would lie in water 
many days before showing signs of germination. 
The outer seed coat has a great variety of colors 
and forms, ranging from black down through the 
shades of gray, brown and sometimes yellow, white 
or red. 
The wing-like and hairy appendages, curved, 
pointed and barbed processes are but modifications 
of the outer seed coat. What is the purpose of the 
parachute of the dandelion? Of milk-weed? These 
are but modifications of the outer seed coat, or 
testa. 
Do these parachutes serve any purpose other than 
distribution by the wind? They serve the purpose of 
guiding the seed point end downward so that it can 
work itself into the soil. Let the children observe 
this fact. Also iron weed, goldenrod, etc., may be 
observed and discussed in the same way. Notice 
the long, delicate silky hairs on the seeds of wil¬ 
lows. How do they serve the seeds in dissemina¬ 
tion? Do they serve any other purpose? Notice 
the muddy places which are adapted for the growth 
of willows catch these seeds while the dry places, 
