74 Introduction to Botany. 



the borders of roads, and rocky and waste places, where 

 they may be rooted in good soil, but are able to run out 

 over the barren areas where their leaves will not be too 

 much shaded by the surrounding vegetation. 



59. Characterization of Stems. — ■ When we survey their 

 character and functions, we find that stems are members 

 of the plant body which bear the leaves and roots, and 

 have for their chief functions the exposure of the leaves to 

 the light, and the transport of materials between the leaves 

 and roots. The other functions which they perform seem 

 to be adaptations to special conditions. 



