THE ROOT. 29 



III. THE ROOT. 



MATERIAL REQUIRED. 



Roots of Indian corn and other seedlings used in the preceding 



exercise. 

 The lower parts of a fully grown corn-stalk, showing the supporting 



roots. 



Aerial roots of English ivy, or trumpet-creeper. 

 Turnips and other fleshy roots from the market. 

 Slips of Verbena, Tradescantia, and other common conservatory 



plants. 



I. Examine more in detail the roots of seedlings already 

 studied. 



1. Taking specimens of Indian corn of different ages, 



note 



a. Where the secondary roots arise. 



b. Whether any of them have given rise to roots of a 



higher order. 



c. How they compare in these particulars with those 



of wheat. 



2. Compare the roots of the sunflower, bean, and pea 



with reference to the same points. 



II. Study the root-hairs of various seedlings, beginning 

 with some that are growing on blotting paper. 



1. On what parts of the roots are they produced? 



2. Remove, with a pair of fine forceps, a portion of a 



root where it is thickly covered with root-hairs. 



