LESSONS WITH 'PLANTS 



309 



are multiplied. One of these is the root-stalk, so called 

 because it looks like a root. Bloodroots, Solomon's-seal, many 

 common grasses and other plants have such organs. In the 

 first two mentioned cases, the true roots spring from a root- 

 stalk which is thick with a supply of food. Common June 

 grass and many other grasses have long, slender root-stalks. 



FIG. 114. Cross Section of White Elm Showing Bark, Sapwood, 

 Heartwood, and Yearly Rings. 



Pull up some June grass root-stalks, examine the joints, 

 scales, and roots, and note the spears of grass rising from the 

 joints. Cut the root-stalk into as many joints or sections as have 

 rooted, and plant each to see if it will grow independently. 

 By means of such stalks the grass spreads rapidly. Golden- 

 rod and the cultivated goldenglow have fine root-stalks. 



The Jack-in-the-pulpit has a short, rounded root-stalk, 

 called a corm. 



