268 PRACTICAL BOTANY 



If successful median longitudinal sections be cut through the 

 apex of a rhizophore, it will be found that there is no root-cap. 

 Further, by comparison of a number of sections, both longitudinal 

 and transverse, it may be concluded that there is one apical cell 

 having approximately the form of a quadrangular prism or 

 pyramid. 



VI. Cut transverse sections of a root, and mount 

 as before : the structure will be found to resemble 

 that of the rhizophore, as above described. 



If median longitudinal sections be cut through the apex of a 

 root, a root-cap will be seen, which covers an apical cell, 

 having the form of a triangular pyramid. Observations may 

 also be made on the endogenous formation of the roots at the 

 apex of the rhizophore, when the latter reaches the surface of 

 the soil. 



VII. Mount some leaves, both dorsal and ventral, 

 which have been previously bleached in alcohol, in 

 water, or dilute glycerine : examine with a low power, 

 and observe the difference in form of the dorsal and 

 ventral leaves, their ciliate margin, and central midrib. 



Note carefully the character of the epidermis : thus 

 on the upper surface the cells are small, and circular 

 in surface view, with sinuous lateral walls, and no 

 stomata ; the cells of the lower surface are elon- 

 gated, with pointed ends, and sinuous lateral walls ; 

 over the midrib the cells are shorter, and it is there 

 only that the stomata are found, having two guard- 

 cells, and no subsidiary cells. 



VIII. Cut transverse sections of fresh leaves held in 

 a piece of pith : mount in water or weak glycerine, and 

 observe 



1. The epidermis of the upper surface consists of 



