594 NATURE STUDY. 



of root. Review experiment showing that root always 

 grows first, and always grows downward. The roots are 

 determined to get into the earth. What do they do in the 

 ground ? 



Carefully dig up by the roots a young bean or pea plant, 

 shake it gently in water to remove the earth, and then 

 place its roots in a vessel containing water in which a little 

 red dye (eosine red is best) has been dissolved, coloring the 

 water a bright red. After about twelve hours it will be 

 found that all the fine veins in the leaves are stained a 

 bright red, showing that the water, carrying the dye, has 

 passed into and through the roots, up the stem, and into 

 the leaves. (Laurie's "Food of Plants.") 



The work of the root can be illustrated, not demonstrated, 

 by showing the children how a piece of cloth or blotting- 

 paper or a string draws up colored water. 



The fine furry covering of " root-hairs " usually seen on 

 peas raised on damp paper, under a glass, will help the 

 children to understand how or with what the root draws in 

 water. Each hair is a tube with very thin walls and end, 

 through which the water passes. It is not true that " the 

 roots have hundreds of little mouths," as the children are 

 sometimes told. They have no openings, but absorb 

 through the thin walls. Hence they can take in only 

 liquids and gases. 



The main work of the roots is to take in food from the 

 earth for the plants. Why are the roots formed first ? 

 Where does the little plant get its food while the roots are 

 getting ready for work? How is it that they can grow so 

 large without any earth ? 



The children will doubtless suggest another part of the 

 work of the root, to hold the plant in the ground. Notice 

 how well they are fitted for this by the branching arid di- 

 rection of growth of the roots. 



