The Problem of Impoverished Lands. 123 



clensit_y 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 tlieir moisture to the soil, would wilt. 



23. If all the 2)otash in your cornfield were to hecome suddenly 

 availahle, what would happen? 



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

 the potash fnnn the soil. 



2-1. Hoio m'ujht you apjyly muriate of potash so that strawberry 

 plants would he injured f 



Bj applying in large quantities too close to the plants. 



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

 muriate of potash f 117/// ? 



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 away from it, as the plant grows? 



Yes, to a large degree. 



NO. 5. HOW THE PLANT CfETS ITS FOOD FROM THE AIR. 



1. What proportion of its dry substance does the 'plant secure 

 from the soil? 



The amount is variable, 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 substance or compound is taken in most prof usely 

 by the plant ? 



Water. 



3. How does the plant get its water, — through roots or leaves? 

 Throuii;]i the roots. 



4. In what ])art of the plant does the water ascend, — through 

 the young viood, or between the hark and wood? 



It ascends through the young wood. 



5. Where does the plant get its carbon? 

 From the air. 



0. How does it take in its nitrogen — by roots or leaves? 



By the roots. 



T. Where is the starch manufactured? 



