8o 



digging, roots were found to cross each other and one was noted 

 from which, close to the surface, two plants arose slightly more 

 than an inch apart. 



On October 8 a \-ery large grass field, unmowed this season, 

 was visited. In this field the Sonchus was extremely abundant 

 throughout. A part of this field had been burned over and in 

 this area, where the ground had been cleared of old growth, it 

 was now quite green in places with the abundant fresh vegetative 

 growth of the Sonchus. This growth was variously disposed in 

 isolated rosettes or groups obviously related to the same in- 

 dividual root system. Some of these fresh plants were collected 

 and have yielded some interesting information. For instance, 

 five plants were found to show above the surface from an as- 

 sociation of roots that when pressed measured three inches in 

 diameter and two of these arose within the space of yi inch. 

 (In the adjoining cornfield earlier in the season three robust, 

 mature plants arising from a vertical shoot were as close to 

 each other as this.) Horizontal roots were abundantly present 

 and varied in thickness but those observed averaged little 

 thicker than y& inch in diameter and often less. One root of 

 o\-er a foot in length between rosettes was found to be almost 

 threadlike at the points of attachment and normally thickened 

 toward the centre. The roots seem to be plentifully supplied 

 with buds and at times appear quite "knobby" with them. 

 These protuberances that become growing buds were less 

 evident on the roots noted in July so that it is quite possible 

 that they may develop best toward the end of the season. On 

 one horizontal root five buds were found starting from one 

 side of a root with two on the other within the space of i '^4 inches. 

 A space of 2 inches would have included several more. \Mth 

 such conditions it is not surprising that six separate plants were 

 found that had reached the surface within the space of i}i inches 

 or eight within about 43^ inches. 



Through the courtesy of Mr. A. S. Weibel, on October 29, 

 several holes were dug about a grass and alfalfa field on his 

 farm, in the Saucon valley, where the Sonchus has persisted for 

 several years. The soil here is very- stiflf and clayey and it was 

 extremely difficult to follow roots through it without severing 

 them and losing sure connection. The- usual network of roots 

 was found with rosettes variously disposed, but one horizontal 



