This Foramen may be observed not only in the great Garden-Bean, but likewise in the other kinds; in the French-Bean very plainly; in Pease, Lupines, Vetches, Lentiles, and other Pulse ’tis also found; and in many Seeds not reckoned of this kindred, as in that of Fœnugreek, Medica Tornata, Goats-Rue, and others: In many of which, ’tis so very small, as scarcely, without the help of Glasses to be discovered; and in some, not without cutting off part of the Seed besides, which otherwise would intercept the sight hereof; it being in these and such like Seeds, from the place of the breaking off of the Peduncle perfectly distinct.
We may then observe, that all Seeds which have thick or hard Coats, have the same likewise perforated, in this, or some other manner. And accordingly, although the Coats of such Seeds as are lodg’d in Shells or Stones, being thin, are not visibly perforated; yet the Stones and Shells themselves always are; as [Chap. 7.] shall be seen how. To which Chapter, what is farther observable, either as to the nature, or number of the covers of the Seed, I also refer.
The Coats of the Bean being stripp’d off the proper Seed shews it self. The parts whereof it is constituted, are three; sc. the main Body, and two other appendant to it, which we may call the three Organical parts of the Bean.
The main Body is not one entire piece, but alwaies divided lengthwise into two halves or Lobes, which are both joyn’d together at the Basis of the Bean. These Lobes in dry Beans, are but difficultly separated or observ’d; but in young ones, especially boil’d, they easily slip asunder. [See Fig. 1.]
Some very few Seeds are divided, not into two Lobes, but more; as that of Cresses; and some not at all divided, but entire; as Corn: Excepting which few, all other Seeds, even the smallest are divided, like as the Bean, into just two Lobes: whereof though in most Seeds we cannot by dissection be inform’d; yet otherwise we easily may as shall be seen.
At the Basis of the Bean, the two other Organical parts stand appendent; by mediation whereof the two Lobes meet and join together. The greater of these two parts stands without the two Lobes, and upon divesting the Bean of its Coats, is immediately visible. ’Tis of a whiter colour, and more glossie than the main Body, especially when the Bean is young. In the Bean, and many other Seeds, tis situated somewhat above the thicker end, as you hold the Bean in its most proper posture for growth. In Oak-Kernels, which we call Acorns, Apple-Kernels, Almonds, and many other Seeds, it stands prominent just from the end; the Basis and the end being in these the same, but in the Bean divers. [See Fig. 1.]
This part is not only in the Bean, and the Seeds above mentioned; but in all others: being that which upon the Vegetation of the Seed, becomes the Root of the Plant; which therefore I call the Radicle: by which, I mean the Materials, abating the Formality, of a Root, ’Tis not easie to be observed, saving in some few Seeds, amongst which, that of the Bean is the most fair and ample of all I have seen; but that of some other Seeds, is, in proportion, greater; as of Fœnugreek, which is almost as big as one of its Lobes.
The lesser of the two laid Appendents lies occult between the two Lobes of the Bean, by separation whereof only it is to be seen. ’Tis enclos’d in two small Cavities form’d in the Lobes for its reception. Its colour comes near that of the Radicle; and is founded upon the Basis thereof having a quite contrary production, sc. towards the cone of the Bean; and being that very part, which, in process, becomes the Body or Trunk of the Vegetable. [See Fig. 1.]
For the sake of this Part principally it is, that the Bean is divided into Lobes; sc. that it may be warmly and safely lodged up between them; and so secur’d from the Injuries so tender a Part would sustain from the Mould, whereto, had the Main Body been entire, it must upon the Sprouting of the Bean have lain contiguous.
This Part is not, like the Radicle, an entire Body, but divided at its loose end into divers pieces, all very close set together, as Feathers in a Bunch; for which reason it may be called the Plume. They are so close, that only two or three of the outmost are at first seen: but upon a nice and curious separation of these, the more interiour still may be discovered. Now as the Plume is that Part which becomes the Trunk of the Plant, so these pieces are so many true, and already formed, though not displayed, Leaves, intended for the said Trunk, and foulded up in the same plicature, wherein, upon the sprouting of the Bean, they afterwards appear. In a French Bean the two outmost are very fair and elegant. In the great Garden-Bean, two extraordinary small Plumes, often, if not always, stand one on either side the great one now describ’d: From which, in that they differ in nothing save in their size, I therefore only here just take notice of them. And these three Parts, sc. the Main Body, the Radicle, and the Plume, are concurrent to the making up of every Seed; and no more than these.