STEMS 



115 



Conclusion. State the facts as to covering, joints, 

 amount and location of pith and wood. 



Suggestion. Compare cornstalk with bamboo, rattan, 

 straw, and the stems of grasses. Compare a cross section 

 also with that of a banana stem. 



(b) Method. Make very thin sections of stems of young 

 corn plants, using a sharp razor, and mount one in a drop 



FIG. 42. Transverse section of stem of monocotyledon (corn), showing 

 the " scattered " vascular bundles. 



of water or glycerin on a microscope slide. Cover with 

 a cover glass and examine it with a low power. Move the 

 section slowly to and fro until all parts of the stem have been 

 seen. Notice the compact cells composing the rind, the loose 

 spongy cells which make up the body of the stem, and the 

 bundles which are scattered irregularly throughout the stem. 



