NATURE-STUDY LESSONS. 89 



13. Cut across the root of a dandelion and note what 

 takes place at the cut ends. 



14. (a) Mark some dandelions. Examine some of 



their roots in early spring. Examine simi- 

 larly the roots of others just after they have 

 cast forth their seeds. 



(Jb) Describe what change has taken place. 



(c) Infer a third use of the root, particularly the 



thickened part, to the plant. 



Such a thickened root as this is called a tap-root. Many plants like 

 the dandelion store up nourishment for the purposes of development during 

 the coming season. Examples are the carrot, the turnip, the parsnip and 

 the burdock. 



15. Account for the early vigorous development of 

 leaves and flowers of the dandelion. 



16. Account also for the vigorous growth of the dande- 

 lion during a dry season while most other plants wilt. 



17. Compare the root of the dandelion with that of the 

 grass, the mullen and the pea. 



18. Make a drawing of the complete root of a dande- 

 lion. 



B. The Stem. 



19. («) Strip the upper surface of soil from the plant 



and find the stem. 



(b) Describe it as to length and thickness. 

 Do not mistake the flower-stem for the stem of the plant. 



(c) Where is the stem situated with reference to 



the soil ? 



20. How does this very short stem differ in appearance 

 from the root ? 



21. Try to account for the circular markings as well as 

 for the scars or pits found on the stem. 



