2l8 THE PLANT WORLD. 



one leaflet. This is shown in part by the joint at the base of the 

 blade, and by the wing-like outgrowths (stiplcs). These out- 

 growths are seen at the base of the blade of each leaflet in the 

 other leaves. The similar outgrowths at the base of the stalk are 

 stipules. Elongation of the lower leaf stalks carries the blade out 

 from under the upper leaves so that it gets better sunlight than 

 it otherwise would. To observe this fact and reason out the 

 meaning is more important than to learn the name of the stalk 

 (petiole). The leaves above the first pair are trifoliate coiiipoiiiid 

 leaves. This branching of the blade permits more sunlight to 

 penetrate to the lower leaves. To recognize this fact is more im- 

 portant than to learn that the leaves are pinnately compound. 



This work gives a basis for the study of any other plant in the 

 garden. It shows the kind of facts to look for and question about. 

 All other plants in the school garden will be seen to be modifica- 

 tions, more or less profound, of the bean type. 



OUR IMPORTATION OF VEGETABLE FIBERS. 



In 1905 the United States imported $48,000,000 worth of 

 vegetable fibers. Of this amount cotton makes up $9,000,000. 

 Of the 61,000,000 pounds imported 52,000,000 was consigned 

 from Egypt. The reason for this large import of cotton from 

 Egypt is its use in the making of the finer grades of cotton cloth. 

 The two fibers which excel cotton in the value of the imports are 

 manila and sisal grass. In 1905 the value of the former was 

 $12,000,000 and the latter $15,000,000. In 1905 the Philippine 

 Islands furnished 56,511 tons of the total 61,562 tons of the 

 manila imported and Mexico 97,698 tons of the total 100,301 of 

 sisal grass. The only other fiber imported in large c[uantities is 

 jute and jute butts, of which India consigned 93,843 of the total 

 98,215 tons imported in 1905. — Report of the U. S. Dept. of 

 Agriculture. 



