300 PLANTS 



used by plants for the scattering of seed. The fruit is 

 carried away, and its fleshy part is consumed, while the 

 seed is scattered. Man has, of course, greatly developed 

 many natural fleshy fruits, just as he has developed roots 

 and stems (cf. 317). 



321. Exercises. 



1. Name some useful leaves of commerce. Name some useful 

 kinds of sap. What is made from each kind? 



2. Why is it that so many perennial plants lose their leaves each 

 autumn? Name several perennials. 



3. Suggest a reason why it is best that the sap should be less abun- 

 dant in winter than in summer (cf. 02). 



4. Can you find a plumule in the peanut? What are the cotyledons 

 of the peanut? Cornmeal or peanuts kept in a paper bag often make 

 the bag greasy. Why? 



5. Describe the veining of the leaves of the geranium, of the rose, 

 and of grass. Name some plants having compound leaves. 



6. Name some trees with tap roots. Describe the root of the beet. 

 From what part of the beet is sugar prepared? 



7. Why are logs for wood cut in winter rather than in summer? 

 Why are soft-wood logs kept under water until they are sawed? Does 

 wood shrink more evenly in the log, or in boards? What is kiln-drying 

 of wood? Why do house doors and windows " stick" in summer, 

 although they are loose in winter? 



8. Why is it possible for wood to "take" stains? What besides 

 staining is done to make a wood with open structure more durable? 

 Why do men like ' ' hard " woods for interior finish? What are several 

 common "hard" woods? 



9. Ask a carpenter why shingles are made of cedar. Ask him why 

 shingles should be nailed with "cut" nails rather than with wire nails. 

 Why do cedar stumps last so long before they rot? 



10. Why do forest flowers, like the hepatica, spring beauty, blood- 

 root, etc., bloom in the early spring? Why do some plants produce 

 flowers before they produce leaves? 



