SAP. 57 



of the atmosphere, the quantity and intensity 

 of solar light, by ripening all the juices, and 

 particularly the pollen of plants, would enable 

 the seed-growers of this country to excel by far 

 those of Europe. 



But unless done thoroughly, it is no use to 

 make the attempt, as a grower once disap- 

 pointed in the quality of his seed will scarcely 

 ever try the same source again. 



Sap. 



The fluid matter which is absorbed either 

 from the earth or from the air is called sap. 



When it first enters a plant it consists of 

 water holding certain principles, especially 

 carbonic acid, in solution. 



These principles chiefly consist of animal or 

 vegetable matter in a state of decomposition, 

 and salts, and are energetic in proportion to 

 their solubility, or tendency to form carbonic 

 acid by combining with the oxygen of the air. 



Sap soon afterwards acquires the nature of 

 mucilage or sugar, and subsequently becomes 

 still further altered by the admixture of such 

 soluble matter as it receives in passing in its 



