EXERCISE 14 



HAS A ROOT THE ABILITY TO ABSORB WATER AND TO 

 ASSIST IN RAISING IT UP THE STEM? 



Materials. Vigorous plant with a single firm stem about one-fourth 

 inch in diameter; glass tube about one-fourth inch in diameter 

 and ten to twelve inches in length, preferably with bore of small 

 diameter ; rubber tubing ; copper wire about No. 18 ; 

 pliers. [i 



Either a potted plant or one growing in the soil 

 out of doors may be used, but it will be difficult, 

 if not impossible, to secure results with plants that 

 are near the end of their season's growth. A potted 

 bryophyllum plant has been found very satisfactory. 



This exercise and the two following may be set up 

 at the same time by different members of the class. 



Directions for work. Cut the stem as close* to 

 the root as' possible. To the stub remaining in 

 connection with the root attach the glass tube, 

 using a short piece of rubber tubing as connec- 

 tion and bringing the glass tube and stem into 

 contact within the rubber tube. Make sure of a tight joint 

 by wrapping a piece of copper wire around the rubber tubing 

 at each end and tightening by twisting the ends together with 

 the pliers. 



Water the plant thoroughly and make observations at hourly 

 intervals, recording the height of the liquid in the tube. 



What are your conclusions ? 



References 



BERGEN and CALDWELL. Practical Botany, pp. 9, 10. 

 BERGEN and CALDWELL. Introduction to Botany, pp. 22-24. 



[17] 



