3 



"No. 4. It is important to reiiieniber that the small roots are tender 

 and, l)eing small, are readily affected adversely by wind and sun. 

 In transphmting trees always keep the i-oots covered. 



Jioot (jrowtlh dependent on character of soil and available ^?Z(r«i?f- 

 food: — If the soil is hard and scantily supplied with plant-food, the 

 growth of root-hairs is naturally restricted ; rootlets are few and 



4. — Shalloio roots of Hemlocks. Roots exposed hy the burning of the 

 leafy mulch. \Pinchot, XT. S. Dept. of Agriculture.'] 



consequently the number of root-hairs or feeding roots are much 

 lessened. I wonder if you feel inclined to question this statement 

 and to tell me that you have examined the roots of trees growing 

 on poor soil and have fouixd them longer and more spreading than 

 on trees growing in rich ground ? This is a good observation and 

 eiiiphasizes the effort that the tree makes to secure food. It should 

 be remembered that the woody roots bear few root-hairs. These 

 root-hairs are found mostly near the ends. Tlie lengtli of the 

 woody root of the tree counts for little therefore. Compare roots 

 of this type with the roots of an elm or willow which have found 

 their way into a tile drain. Great masses of fibres and rootlets 

 characterize these roots. Dissolved nutrients pass along this 



357 



