LECT. IV.] THE ROOT. SUCKER. 145 



rootlets, as in Toothwort (Lathraea squamaria) 

 p. ( fig. p ) ; and it is 



not improbable that 

 the scales, which 

 are generally fleshy, 

 are reservoirs of 

 nutriment for the 

 use of the plant. 

 2. The SUCKER (Stolo) is an underground bud 

 protruded from the upper horizontal branches of 

 the roots of trees, or those nearest to the surface 

 of the soil ; and which, ascending above the earth, 

 is converted into a stem, resembling the parent 

 tree ; as exemplified in the common Lilac (Syringa 

 vulgaris), the Elm, and many other trees, particu r 

 larly fruit-trees, round the stems of which, young 

 plants of the same species as the stock are seen con- 

 stantly rising ; and also in some herbaceous plants. 

 The sucker, in its earlier state, has the closest re- 

 semblance to the leaf-bud ; and in its nlore forward 

 growth to the branch, protruded from the part of 

 the plant which is above ground ; circumstances 

 which prove the affinity of the stem and the root. 

 It never detaches itself spontaneously from the 

 plant, but, if artificially separated along with a small 

 portion of the root, it may be transplanted, and 

 will grow, constituting a distinct vegetable being ; 

 although differing essentially, as I shall afterwards 

 have an opportunity of explaining to you, from 

 VOL, i. L 





