ADVENTITIOUS OR AIR ROOTS ON VINES. 



101 



the same character as the true roots, and only require to be brought 

 into contact with the soil to become such. These air-roots are some- 

 times produced in great profusion from every part of the stem, frequently 

 attaining a foot or more in length, and so give the Vine a strange 

 appearance. 



There is no particular harm in these adventitious roots, per se, but 



39. ADVENTITIOUS ROOTS OF VINES. 



their presence betokens a want of proper action on the part of the true 

 roots running naturally in the soil. They are a sign of bad health, and 

 are frequently the precursors of shanking. They give evidence that 

 the proper roots are not in a condition to supply the great demands of 

 a large expanse of foliage, etc , and that, aided by a warm moist atmo- 

 sphere within the house, nature is trying to supply this want. Close 



