104 THE BEET 
16. Now trace the bundle of fibers up to the leaf stems. 
These run from the root to leaves and carry water 
and nourishment to them. 
Information 
The beet is a swollen root and grows in the ground. When 
the winter comes, the green leaves die and the beet remains over 
the winter. In the spring new leaves come up, and then a long 
shoot, which bears flowers and seeds. After this the beet dies. 
The beet lives two years; the first year it grows large and 
sends out leaves; the second year it blossoms, and then dies. 
Plants that live only two years are called biennials, so the beet 
is a biennial. 
Trees and bushes and shrubs live many years, while some small 
plants and vines live only one. 
Drawing 
1. Make a drawing of the whole beet and show form 
and rootlets ; leaf stems and leaves. If the leaves 
have been cut away, show the stump of the leaf 
stem. 
2. Make a drawing of the horizontal section, showing 
the concentric layers or rings. 
3. Make a drawing of the longitudinal section, showing 
layers ; leaf stems ; white center ; rootlets. 
