SPONGIOLES. 103 



after some experiments by Senedier, Sarrabat, 

 Carradori and others. Their experiments were 

 inaccurate, as has been shown by repeating them. 

 They thought they proved that the delicate extremi- 

 ties of roots alone absorb liquids. It has now 

 been shown that these tips absorb but little moist- 

 ure that the root hairs are the chief absorbents. 

 The term spongioles and their supposed functions, 

 according to the old notion, is still found in many 

 works of authors who ought to know better. It 

 occurs in Wood's last edition; also in the works of 

 Mrs. Lincoln Phelps, M. C. Cook's "Manual of 

 Botanical Terms," Henslow's " Dictionary of 

 Botanical Terms," Mclntosh's "Book of the 

 Garden," Thompson's " Gardener's Assistant," J. 

 J". Thomas' " Fruit Culturist," and many others. 

 Professor Johnson, of Yale College, remarks that 

 in the popular sense spongioles do not exist. Dr. 

 Asa Gray says they have no existence. Duchartre, 

 an eminent French botanist, says ' the name 

 spongioles is without foundation, and ought to be 

 abandoned. ' " 



