ROOTS. 149 



that is, they are inside growers, the same as 

 pabns and corn. 



The first root of any plant is developed 

 from the lower extremity of the minute stem- 

 let which lies between or below the seed- 

 leaves in the seed. It was once supposed 

 that this stemlet is a true root in minia- 

 ture, and it has consequently been called the 

 radicle (Latin, radix, root). It is now 

 known, however, that this little organ is 

 true stem, and of late it has been called the 

 caulicle (Latin, caulis, stern). This caulicle 

 is shown in Fig. 1. From the caulicle the 

 root arises when the seed germinates. Other 

 roots soon arise from this first root, and 

 these branches again branch and rebranch 

 indefinitely. But roots may arise from 

 stems or even from leaves as well as from 

 other roots. Wherever a runner or decum- 

 bent branch comes in constant contact with 

 the ground roots are apt to form. Uj^on 

 this fact depends the practice of layering 

 adopted by nurserymen. Roots are also 

 produced from the nodes in cuttings of vari- 

 ous plants ; and the florist knows how to 

 make a score of fan-shaped pieces of a be- 

 gonia leaf strike roots from their lower ends. 

 It is a significant illustration of the adapta- 



