^be Storis ot tbc IRoot 17 



from the young stem. It is also called the main' 

 root, or tap root, when it goes on growing without 

 branching, except close beneath the stem. From 

 the primary root may start out hairs, which develop 

 into rootlets. When a number of nearly equal roots 

 start out at once from the base of the stem they are 

 called " multiple primary roots." There are more 

 hairs near the tips of roots than anywhere else upon 

 them. These hairs are the chief root channels for 

 gathering nourishment. 



All the surface of the root absorbs moisture, and 

 this moisture holds in solution mineral foods, which 

 are converted into vegetable substance by the plant. 

 Ever}^ plant is a wonderful laboratory. 



At the tip of each root is a hardened, scale-pro- 

 tected point, to enable it to work its way into the 

 ground, just as the toes of moles and like digging 

 animals are protected by nails. The root tip has 

 also a sucker, for drawing up moisture. This is the 

 chief mouth of the root. Although the pores of the 

 entire root-surface absorb freely, the ends of the 

 rootlets are the chief feeders. 



A fibrous root is a feeding root. Fleshy roots are 

 feeding roots through their surfaces and rootlets ; 

 they are also storehouses, or pantries, for laying up 

 food for the future use of the plant. This stored-up 

 food is largely starch and sugar. 

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