CHAPTER IX 

 THE LIFE OF A PLANT 



THE study of the sprouting of a seed has shown us the 

 three parts of any plant : root, stem, and leaves. These; in 

 a young .and healthy plant, grow rapidly, but the regions 

 of growth are interesting to study, especially on the root 

 and stem. We can do this by means of experiments. 



Take first any well-sprouted seed which has a root nearly 

 an inch long. Beans are best for this purpose, since the 

 roots are so plump. On a root make ink marks at regular 

 distances, say an eighth of an inch, and place a mark at 

 the very tip. This must be done very carefully, with a fine 

 brush or a very wet pen, taking pains not to injure the root. 

 Let the ink dry, and then put the seed between pieces of 

 damp blotting paper, taking care not to have it too wet, 

 lest the ink markings run. At the end of a day examine 

 the root, and add to the markings if necessary. A second 

 day's examination will show very clearly that the root 

 grows chiefly at the tip. 



Stem and root can be studied in comparison with a plant 

 which has further grown, and which, being perhaps a fort- 

 night old, has both stem and root. Using fine and soft thread, 

 and taking care not to injure the plant, mark off on stem and 

 root regular spaces with knots. Or use ink as before. Then 

 set the roots between pieces of wet blotting paper, leaving 

 the stem in the air. As the plant grows it can be regularly 

 examined. It will be seen that both root and stem grow 

 chiefly at the tip. 



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