34 ESSENTIALS OF BOTANY 
Roots of grass, etc., are thread-like, and known as 
fibrous roots (Fig. 16). 
“44, General Structure of Roots. — The structure of the 
very young root can be partially made out by examining 
the entire root with a moderate magnifying power, since 
Fic. 15. Fic. 16. Fic. 17. 
A Taproot. Fibrous Roots. Fascicled Roots. 
the whole is sufficiently translucent to allow the interior 
as well as the exterior portion to be studied while the root 
is still alive and growing. Earth roots will not do for 
this, since the adhering particles are opaque and hide 
the structures beneath. 
Place some vigorous cuttings of tradescantia or Zebrina, which 
can usually be obtained of a gardener or florist, in a beaker or jar of 
water.! The jar should be as thin and transparent as possible, and 
it is well to get a flat-sided rather than a cylindrical one. Leave 
the jar of cuttings in a sunny, warm place. As soon as roots have 
1If the tradescantia or Zebrina cannot be obtained, roots of seedlings of 
oats, wheat, or barley, or of red-clover seedlings raised in a large covered cell 
on a microscope slide, may be used. 
