THE ROOT. 33 



At A, Fig. 28, a shows the dislc or surface where 

 the tibers are attached to the base of the bulb ; tliis 

 is the root-stalk. The bulb above, contains the 

 leaves, stems, and flowers of .the plant. B shoAvs the 

 same bulb cut vertically, to expose the embryo plant. 



c. The production by bulbs, is only a continu- 

 ation of the old plant, while by means of the seed, 

 a new plant is brought forth. This is an impor- 

 tant distinction; and it is observed that in pro- 

 cess of tinie, a plant continued by means of repro- 

 duction, whether by bulbs, grafting, or any other manner, ultimately dwindles and 

 degenerates as if worn out with old age, and it becomes necessary to renew its 

 vigor by producing a young plant from the seed. This is the case with the potato ; 

 the farmer who finds his stock degenerating is obliged to provide himself with new 

 tubers produced from the seed. 



38. The specific cliaracter of plants is sometimes taken from 

 the root, or tuber, and, in some cases, the specific name ; as 

 soLANUM tuberosum, the potato, and ranunculus hulbosus. The 

 tuberiferons and bulbileroiis roots distinguish those species 

 from all others of the families Solanum and Kannncnlns. 



a. We find, on casting a rapid glance over the face of the earth, that variety in 

 the form of roots is not without its peculiar use. Mountains being exposed to 

 winds, are covered with plants which have branching roots with strong and woody 

 fibers. These fastening themselves into the clefts of rocks, take firm hold, and the 

 trees they support seem undauntedly to brave the violence of storms and tempests. 

 Spindle roots abound in rich soft grounds, which they can easily penetrate. Damp 

 and loose soils are rendered fit for the use of man, by being bound together by 

 creeping and fibrous roots. We find here, as in every part of nature, proofs of a 

 wise Creator, who makes naught 



" In vain, or not for admirable ends." 



39. There are some plants which are not fixed, but float about 

 in the water ; some grow upon other plants, and some derive 

 sustenance from air alone. Of the first kind,'or Aquatic plants, is 

 the Lemna, or duckmeat, which grows in stagnant water, having 

 thread-like roots, not confined to any fixed place. The water 

 star-grass {GallitricTie aquaticd), previous to its blossoming, 

 floats about, and is nourished by its suspended fibers ; after 

 flowering, it sinks to the bottom, its roots become fixed, and 

 its seeds ripen. These seeds germinating, a new^ race of plants 

 appear, which rise to the surlace of the water, blossom, and 

 sink to the earth, producing in turn their successors. Some of 

 the Cryptogamous plants, j)articularly of the genus Fucus, 

 exist in a wandering manner, often forming islands of consid- 

 erable size. In the Gulf of Florida, the Fucus natans is very 

 abundant ; this, by voyagers, is often called gulf- weed, and is 

 sometimes found in masses extending many miles, and, 



" Sailing on ocean's foam. 

 Where'er the surge may sweep, the tempest's breath prevail." 



c. Difference between ibe continuation of jilants by bulbs, &c., and by raising from the seed.— 



38. Specific character and name taken from the roots — a. Utihty in tlie variety of form iu roots.— 



39. Aquatic plants, 



2* 



