are intended to store up nourishment for the young 

 plants of a succeeding season, in a similar manner to 

 the fat stored up in adolescent insects and animals 

 which become torpid in winter. The shrivelling up o 

 the potato, after the young plant has sprouted and 

 grown, proves the same view. 



The most essential part of every root is the crown l , 

 collar, or life-knot, which is the portion of the plant 

 between the stem or leaves and the body of the root. 

 In many plants, such as the primrose, nearly the whole 

 body of the root may be cut away, and still the plant 

 will grow; but though the body of the root is un- 

 touched, if the crown only be removed or seriously 

 injured, it will inevitably die. The crown of a carrot 

 cut off during winter, and made to swim in a glass of 

 water in a warm room, will shoot out vigorous leaves, 



When the crown of a root is slender, it dries up as 

 the seed ripens, and the plant soon dies. Such plants 

 are termed annuals, as the poppy, and most sorts of 

 grass and corn. But when from soil, climate, or cul- 

 ture, the crown of the root is rendered strong, several 

 annuals are brought to grow two years, and are then 

 called biennials; or for several years, and are then 

 called perennials. Thus the annual mignonette be- 

 comes perennial in Egypt, and the marvel of Peru and 

 the castor oil plant, which are annuals in Europe, are 

 perennial in warm countries, as is also the scarlet 

 runner. 



The radicles or branches 2 of roots are to the main 



(1) In Latin, Collum; in French, Collet. 

 (2) In Latin, Rami or diminutively Ramuli. 



