98 BOTANY FOR BEGINNERS. (Ch. XVL 
aud apparently dead seed, can bring forth a fresh and beautifui 
plant, can also from the ruins of our mortal bodies produce a 
new and glorious body, and unite it to the immortal spirit by 
ties never to be separated. | 
Germination. 
406. The process of the shooting forth of the young plant 
from the seed is termed Germination. 
407. The principal of life contained in the seed does not 
usually become active, until the seed is placed in circumstances 
favourable to vegetation. 
408. When a seed is committed to the bosom of the earth, 
its various parts soon begin to swell by absorbing moisture.— 
A chymical action then commences; oxygen from the air, 
unites to the carbon of the seed, and carries it off in the form 
of carbonic acid gas. 
409. As the carbon of the cotyledons continues to diminish, 
and oxygen is produced in excess, a sweet, sugar-like sub- 
stance is formed ; this is conveyed to the embryo, which by its 
new nourishment is kindled into active life; from this period 
we may date the existence of the young plant. Bursting 
through the coats which surround it, and which are already en- 
feebled by their loss of carbon, the embryo emerges from its 
prison, the radicle shoots downward, and the plume rises up- 
wards. We say then that the seed has come up or sprouted. 
410. Fig. 67 represents a young dicotyledonous plant, with 
its radicle, a, developed ; its plume, b, is yet scarcely percepti- 
ble; its cotyledons, c, appear in the form of large, succulent 
seed-leaves. 
406. What is germination ? 
407. What is necessary for the vegetation of the seed ? 
408. What changes occur when the seed is placed in the earth? 
409. What kindles the embryo into active life? 
410. What does Fig. 67 represent ? 
