THE PLANT AS A WORKING MACHINE 19 



it, we must now consider in greater detail the special features 

 of each part as these are shown by more careful study of their 

 structures and work. Succeeding chapters will deal with these 

 matters, but to see clearly the significance of special struc- 

 tures and functions this unit outline of the whole plant and its 

 work should be kept constantly in mind. The student can 

 come to an understanding of the life of the plant only by 

 observing how its organs cooperate in the processes of nutri- 

 tion, growth, and reproduction. It has been the purpose of this 

 chapter to give an outline of the whole plant ; to raise ques- 

 tions concerning what a plant is and how it works ; and to 

 suggest, in a general way, the answers to these questions. 

 Such a general view of the nature of a plant furnishes the 

 best basis for further study. 



