checks the growth of the seedling. Therefore, it must be that the
seed-leaves which appear above ground, as in the case of the bean, or
the kernel of the corn which remains below the surface of the soil,
furnish the little plant with food until its roots have grown strong
enough to take sufficient food from the soil.

[Illustration: FIG. 39.
A seed-tester, consisting of two plates and a moist cloth.]

[Illustration: FIG. 40.--A SEED-TESTER.
A plaster cast with cavities in the surface for small seeds.]

[Illustration: FIG. 41.
1. Corn-kernel showing depression at _z_. 2. Section of same after
soaking. 3. Corn-kernel after germination has begun. The seed-coat _a_
has been partly removed. 4. Bean showing scar or hilum at _h_. 5. The
same, split open. 6. Bean with one cotyledon removed, after sprouting
had begun. _a_, Seed-coat; _b_, cotyledon; _c_, epicotyl; _d_,
hypocotyl; _e_, endosperm. (Drawings by M.E. Feltham.)]




CHAPTER X

SEED PLANTING


HOW DEEP SHOULD SEEDS BE PLANTED?