116 



ETON NATUEE-STDDY 



There are also some interesting problems to work out with regard 

 to the peculiarities of branching to be seen not only in trees, where 

 those in certain positions seem 

 always to take the lead, as well as 

 in herbaceous plants which some- 

 times, as in deadly nightshade, 

 would encourage one to believe 

 that the main stem has divided 

 suddenly into several parts. 



It is not possible to treat this 

 aspect of plant life at all fully, 

 but one other point may be raised. 

 This is in connection with the water 

 supply of plants. The leaves of 

 those which have tap roots are so 

 arranged as to shoot the rain to 

 the base of the stem, whereas others 

 which have spreading roots possess 

 leaves which allow the rain to run 

 off their tips. It is a common 

 practice to shelter under a tree 

 from the rain, as the foliage keeps 

 a certain area beneath it more or 



less dry. It would be found upon investigation that just outside 

 this the water accumulates, and there below the soil are the 

 youngest and most active roots.* 



* For many hints in this and other directions, the more advanced student may be 

 referred to the " Natural History of Plants," by Kerner and Oliver, of which Messrs 

 Blackie & Son are now publishing a cheap edition in eighteenpenny parts. 



FIGURE 226. A section showing how a side 

 branch of Walnut joins another. 



