34 ON ROOTS. 



* 



Caroline. And are the roots of potatoes of this de- 

 scription ? 



Mrs. B. The potatoe belongs to the class of knotted 

 or tuberous roots, radix tuberosa, which are of various 

 kinds, comprehending all such as have fleshy knobs or 

 tumors. This sort of root belongs to perennial plants, 

 though the knobs are frequently either annual or biennial. 

 In all cases, they are to be considered as reservoirs of 

 nourishment, which enable the plant to support the casu- 

 al privations of a barren or dry soil. 



Some plants, of which Timothy grass is an instance, 

 acquire tumors when situated in a soil subject to vicissi- 

 tudes of drought and humidity, and lose them if trans- 

 plated to one regularly supplied with moisture. 



Emily. It is wonderful to observe in what an admira- 

 ble manner roots find means of compensation for local 

 inconveniences ! 



Mrs. B. The potatoe is a species of mucilaginous, 

 farinaceous excrescence, growing upon subterraneous 

 branches, which have no means of deriving nourishment 

 from the soil ; and it is very remarkable, that this salu- 

 brious and nutritious substance grows on a plant, the real 

 fruit of which is of a poisonous nature. 



The object of nature, throughout all these varying 

 forms, is the same to establish a reservoir, in which the 

 vital force of the plant and its material resources are 

 husbanded. 



The root of the orchis is well deserving our notice 

 from its singularity. It consists of two lobes, somewhat 

 similar to the two parts into which a bean is divided. 



ground, than when it arises from the bosom of the leaves, or in the vicin- 

 ity of the flowers. The Bulb-bearing Loose-strife presents an example 

 of the first, and the Meadow-garlic of the second variety; and in both 

 cases it remains attached to the parent plant, till the embryo it discloses 

 has reached maturity. It then falls to the ground, strikes root, and a 

 new plant is developed. In their situation these bulbs are analogous to 

 buds; in their destiny they appear more like bulbs, and are to be regard- 

 ed as a connecting link between the buds of trees, and the radical bulbs 

 of herbaceous plants. 



135. What is said of Bulbs in the Note? 136. To what class 

 of roots does the potatoe belong! 137. To what plants does the 

 radix tuberosa belong! 138. Of what are knobs the reservoirs'? 

 139. What is said of Timothy grass! 140. How is the potatoe de- 

 scribed by Mrs. B.! 141. What does she say is remarkable in it! 

 142, Of what does the root of the orchis consist! 



