The Problem of Impoverished Lands. 123 



density of the soil moisture became greater than of the sap — osmotic 

 action would be from the plants to the soil and the plants thus giv- 

 ing up their moisture to the soil, would wilt. 



23. If all the potash in your cornfield were to hecoine suddenly 

 availahle, what would happen f 



The corn would be killed and heavy rains might leach much of 

 the potash from the soil. 



24. How might you apply muriate of pwtash so that strawherry 

 plants would he injured? 



By applying in large quantities too close to the plants. 



25. Would it he an easy matter to injure old apple trees hy 

 muriate of p>otash f Why f 



If applied in very large amounts directly over the roots, injury 

 might follow ; but such injury is rare. 



26. If you put the fertilizer in the hill, will not the roots grow 

 heyond and aioay from it, as the plant groivsf 



Yes, to a large degree. 



NO. 5. HOW the plant gets its food from the air. 



1. Whftt proportion of its dry suhstance does the plant secure 

 from the soil? 



The amount is varial)le, but on an average about 3 per cent. 

 Some varieties of plants take up much more and others less than 3 

 per cent. 



2. What one suhstance or compound is taken in most prof usely 

 by the plant f 



Water. 



3. IIoio does the plant get its water, — through roots or leaves f 

 Through the roots. 



4. In %Dhat part of the p>lant does the vxiter ascend, — through 

 the young wood, or hetween the harJc and wood? 



It ascends through the young wood. 



5. Where does the plant get its carhonf 

 From tlie air. 



6. How does it take in its nitrogen — hy roots or leaves? 

 ^yj the roots. 



7. Where is the starch manufactured? 



