340 



GENERAL SCIENCE 



fruits, or the seeds. Even the meats we eat come in- 

 directly from plants, for they come from animals that 

 feed on plants. 



Among the common roots that are used by man are 

 radishes, beets, parsnips, carrots, and sweet potatoes. 

 Celery and potatoes are stems used as foods, while cab- 

 bage, lettuce, spinach, and onions are examples of leaves 

 used as food. 



Fruits and seeds are the most important foods of man. 

 The ease with which grains may be stored and kept for 



Ohio Agricultural Experiment Station. 



FIG. 302. Cultivating Corn. 



future consumption adds greatly to their value as foods. 

 Corn, wheat, and rice are the three most important grain 

 foods of the world, while barley, rye, and oats are ex- 

 tensively cultivated for use as foods (Figure 302). 



Textile Plants. Cotton is the world's most important 

 textile plant (Figure 303). It requires a long season for 

 maturing properly and is therefore grown only in warm 

 climates. Attached to the seeds are long, white filaments 

 which are manufactured into threads and cloth. The 

 cotton seeds furnish an oil which is used as a substitute for 

 olive oil. Other plants which furnish fibers which are use- 

 ful to man are flax, hemp, and jute. Linen cloth is made 



