Oh.VI.i 



37 



137. Spindle roots are large at the top, and ta- 

 pering downwards, as carrots, radishes, &c. This 

 root has but few radicles, and is therefore not so 

 well furnished with the means of gaining its food 

 as some others. You could easily convince your- 

 selves that the plant owes its food to these fibres, 

 by taking two radishes, placing one in water until 

 every part is covered except the radicles, and put- 

 ting only the radicles of the other in water ; 

 while the leaves of the former would soon droop 

 and die, those of the latter would for some time 

 remain fresh and green. 



Fig. 15. 138. Creeping 



roots, instead oi 

 forcing their way 

 downwards into 

 the earth, extend 

 almost horizon- 

 tally along its 

 surface ; they 

 send out many 

 fibres, anu new 

 plants spring forth from the roots in every direction around the 

 original one. This kind of root is very hardy ; it grows in san- 

 dy places, and is often useful in binding the soil, by spreading 

 and weaving its fibres together. Holland, which is much ex- 

 posed to the washing of its numerous lakes and bays, has its 

 Coasts bound together by such vegetable products. 



137, Describe spindle roots. 



138, What are creeping roots 1 



