ROOTS, 15 



a snowdrop, tulip, or large lily from a garden will do as 

 well. In any of these you will find a swelling or bulb, 

 just above the root (Fig. 12). I want 

 you to remember that this bulb is 

 not the root If you notice any of 

 the plants I have just mentioned, 

 you will see the root, with its many 

 rootlets, growing downwards from 

 the bottom of the bulb. Perhaps at 

 home you have a hyacinth growing Fig. 12. A Bulb. 

 in water in a hyacinth glass, or can see one some- 

 where. If so, you can see how its roots grow very 

 well. (cf. Fig. 13). 



But do you know what roots are for ? What is the 

 use of them ? Through the roots liquid food is taken, 

 up, and so passes into the plant. You will be able to 

 learn more about this when you are older. But you 

 can remember now that roots are not only meant to 

 fix plants firmly in the ground, but more especially to 

 help to feed them and make them grow. 



