INFLUENCE OF WATER ON LAND-PLANTS 37 
exposed to the sun are always smaller than those which 
develop in partial shade, and the dwarfing of plants 
in exposed situations is due, in part at least, to this 
effect. 
Another kind of stunted growth is the rosette-form, 
characteristic of many plants living in regions either 
permanently or periodically dry or cold. The rosette- 
form, however, is permanent ; it is inherited, and there- 
fore independent of circumstances. In a rosette-plant— 
e.g., London-pride (Fig. 5), the stem, through the sup- 
pression of the internodes, does not elongate, but bears 
Fic. 5.—LoNDON-PRIDE, sHOWING RosETTE-Hapit. (NATURAL SIZE.) 
a number of closely-set radiating leaves close to the 
ground. These leaves provide a deep shade under which 
no other plants can grow, and in this way the plant frees 
itself from competitors. The soil, being shaded, tends 
to remain moist beneath the leaves, and, as the stomata 
are found on the under surface, transpiration takes place 
in moist shade, and is therefore not excessive. 
Rosette-plants are common, not only in alpine regions, 
but in all grassy places where the herbage is low, and 
tall weeds are in danger of desiccation by violent winds. 
The presence of rosette-plants (e.g., dandelion, daisy, 
plantain) in a damp meadow might appear to conflict 
