XIV 



BOTANT. 



Many fleshy roots are conical (Fig. IV) ; others are spindle-aha^ped 

 {fusiform), as Fig. V; and still others are turnip shaped {napi- 

 form), Fig. VI. When a main root extends perpendicularly down- 

 wards from the plant it is called a tap-root. 



Sizei — Make measurements of the root as for the stem. 



Surface. — Examine the surface of the smallest roots: observe the 

 very minute down-like root-haira. The surface of the large root- 

 lets is smooth; then as the roots grow older the surface becomes 

 more or less roughened. 



Fig. IV.— Conical root. Fig. V.— Spindle-shaped root. 



Fig. VI.— Turnip-shaped root. 



Color. — While the youngest rootlets are usually white, as they 

 grow older they generally become yellowish or brownish on the 

 surface. 



Structure.— Roots may be soft in structure, or they may be 

 woody ; the former may be fleshy, as in the turnip, or thread-like, 

 as in wheat and oats. The wood and bark resemble those of the 

 stem, but the pith is wanting. Examine the tip of the root and 

 notice the blunt end, which, under a lens, shows a root-cap. 



Duration. — Many annual-stemmed plants have annuel roots; 



