46 



THE PLANT. 



CHAPTER VII. 



LOC.VTION OF THE DIFFERENT TARTS, AND V-UilATIONa 

 LN THE ASHES OF PLANTS. 



Let 113 PiOw examine plants with a view to learn- 

 ing the location of the various parts. 



The stem or trunk of the plant or ti-ee consists 

 very largely of ivoody fibre / this also forms a large 

 portion of the other parts except the seeds, and, in 

 some instances, the roots. Tlie roots of the potato 

 contain large quantities of starch. Other roots, such 

 as the carrot and turnip^ contain jpectic add,^ a 

 nutritious suhstance resembling starch. 



It is in the seed, however, that the more nutritive 

 portions of most plants exist, and here they maintain 

 certain relative positions Avliich it is well to under- 

 stand, and which can be best explained by reference 

 to the following figures, as described by Prof John- 

 Bton : — 



FIG. 1. 



" Thus a shows the position of the oil in the outer 



* This pectic acid gelatiuizes food in the stomach, and thug 

 Cfcnders it more digestible. 



