ROOTS. 8 



roots from roots and stems — originate from an internal layer of 

 tissue where there are fibro-vascular bundles and break through 

 the external portions of the root or stem. 



The soil has much to do with the length and number of roots. 

 In light, poor soil, in a dry time, we have found the roots of 

 June grass to extend over four feet below the surface of the soil. 



The roots of grasses are numerous, long, and fibrous, and when 

 young the slender and delicate ti})s have a feeble j^ower of moving 

 from side to sidt, which enables them to fiiul and penetrate the 

 places of least resistance in the soil. 



Although they are so small, it is estimated that in most farm 

 crops, while growing, the aggregate surface of the roots is equal 

 to that of the stemd and leaves above ground. In hard clay sub- 

 soil in Central Michigan, oats pushed down their roots three feet 

 four inches, and those of barley went down three feet nine 

 inches. In mellow, sandy soil the roots of oats extended 

 four feet two inches below the surface and those of barley five 

 feet six inches. The famous buffalo grass (Buchloe) is often 

 mentioned as iiaving very short roots, but one of my students 

 found in Kansas that they went down seven feet. The roots 

 grow best where the best food is to be found, provided there is 

 sufficient heat and moisture. They extend move or less in every 

 direction; if one finds food it flourishes and enlarges and sends 

 out numerous branches, and they in turn send out others. If 

 rich earth or manure is placed above the roots they will grow 

 upwards as well as downwards. In rich earth the roots of grasses 

 will be densely matted ; in sterile soil they will be longer, with 

 fewer branches. Where the food is best, there we shall find the 

 most roots. Roots cannot be accredited with any faculty which 

 enables them to search for food as an animal hunts its prey. 



The roots of all the grasses and most other flowering plants 

 while in a growing condition are well supplied with Trichomes 

 or root-hairs which vastly increase their surface. 



