334 ON THE KOOTS OP TREES* 



that irregularities of the earth and local attractions may occa* 

 sion considerable discrepancies which are even inevitable : but 

 before we decide that these are the real source of disagreement, 

 we ought carefully to ascertain that there are no others. 

 {To be continued.) 



II. 



On the Roots of Trees. By Mrs. Agnes Ibbetson. 



To IF. Nicholson, Esq. 

 SIR, 

 The difficulties TT'N my last letter, it was my endeavour to give as exact an 



attend;!.- 'i'''- JL account as possible of the increase of trees, both in length 

 lug the loot, '^ ' D 



and breadth j that which they made in spring -and autumn, and 



that which (nearly at the same time) enlarges the trunks. I 

 shall now venture on a more difficult task, the delineation of 

 the root, which I have long delayed ; for whenever I was on 

 the point of attempting it, I feared I was inadequate to the 

 undertaking, and put it off another year, till further dissection, 

 and a more thorough knowledge, should satisfy me that I was 

 capable of giving an account that would please myself, and do 

 justice to the great object of my pursuit. For many years to- 

 gether I have recurred to the subject, studying it with the most 

 indefatigable industry, and seeking in nature only for informa« 

 tion : but for the last six months the quantity of roots, both 

 fresh and dry, that I have dissected, the innumerable cuttings 

 that I have subjected to the solar microscope of the roots of 

 different trees of every age and size — in short, the endeavours 

 I have made to collect facts sufficient to prepare myself to 

 give an exact account of the laws by which the root is regu- 

 lated — the power which governs it in its exterior, as well as 

 interior form — the parts which compose, and the mechanism 

 w hich moves it, has at last given me courage sufficient to ven- 

 ture on my task ; and if I do not thoroughly satisfy my readers, 

 I shall still show many things perfectly unknown ; and, at a 

 future time, I shall hope to add circumstances that may render 

 it more complete, and more worthy the attention of the public r 

 at least I can promise, that I shall advance nothing but what 

 all may ascertain the truth of; nor enter into any detail that 



may 



