8 THE FIRST BOOK OF FARMING 



are the parts for which he grows the plants." But 

 you must remember that all of these parts are de- 

 pendent on the root for life and growth, as was 

 brought out in the answer to the last question, and 

 that if the farmer or plant grower desires a fine 

 crop of leaves, stems, flowers, fruit or seeds, he must 

 give his very best attention to the root. Judging 

 from the poor way in which many farmers and 

 plant growers prepare the soil for the plants they 

 raise, and the poor way they care for the soil during 

 the growth of the plants, they evidently think least 

 of, and give least attention to, the roots of the plants. 

 Then, in studying our plants, which part shall we 

 study first ? Why, the roots, of course : To find out 

 what they do for the plant, how they do this work, 

 and what conditions are necessary for them to grow 

 and to do their work well. 



