32 GLIMPSES IXTO PLA XT-LIFE 



up various kinds of nourishment from the earth 

 in which it stands. 



The roots by several chemical processes render 

 the elements they have taken up from the soil 

 fit for the nourishment of the tree ; they send 

 it up through the stem and branches into the 

 leaves, and these being the breathing organs 

 have essential work to do in receiving from the 

 air, and giving out again, certain gases which 

 contribute largely to maintain the life and vigour 

 of the tree. Thus it grows year by year, pro- 

 ducing annually its flowers and seed, which is 

 the end and aim of all plant life. 



We can trace another analogy with animal 

 life, in the necessity for pure sweet air, plants 

 growing in a vitiated or smoke-laden atmosphere 

 soon showing unmistakable signs of weakness. 

 The stunted hedges and trees on the fringe of 

 London always remind me of the poor, ill-grown 

 children of the slums. 



l^csidcs the plant life which we see around us in 

 the shape of trees, shrubs, and flowers, there are 

 lower and j^erhaps still more wonderful forms of 

 vegetable life afftjrding endless fields of study. 



