488 



SOUTHERN FIELD CROPS 



At intervals among these pith cells may be found strands of 

 tougher tissue running parallel to the length of the stalk (Fig. 

 208). These tough, strong strands are the bundles of fibrous 

 tissue that serve for the circulation of liquids within the plant. 

 Each bundle (Fig. 209) contains (1) several vessels, that is, organs 



Fig. 200. — Cuoss Section through .\ Bundle from the Ste.m of 



Sugar-cane. 



T', ^-('sscls for iiinvaril I'lirrciit ; .s'. sii'\-i> tubes for the doscciidiiig sap ; 

 P, pith coUa containint; t^iigar. Grcatl\' enlarged. 



for the carrying of water and dissol\-ed plant-food from the soil 

 npiviiril to the lea^•ep ; (2) a number of smaller carriers, called 

 sieve lubes, through which the digested sap is returned from the 

 leaves to all the other parts of the plant. 



