THE WORK OF MOOTS 135 



since they do not interfere with the deeper roots of the 

 trees. (Monocotyledons are mostly shallow -rooted, be- 

 cause the roots spread out near the top.) Others, 

 for the opposite reason, are known as "deep feeders." 

 It is of the greatest importance to take these facts into 

 account in hoeing and cultivating the soil: the deeper 

 the roots the deeper should be the plowing and subse- 

 quent cultivation. It is of importance to know that 

 by proper irrigation it is possible to control the growth 

 of the roots so as to cause them to grow deep or near 

 the surface : the more the soil is saturated with water 

 the nearer the surface will the roots stay, on account 

 of their need of air. Where there is a long dry 

 season the water-table sinks steadily: if the crop is 

 planted early enough the roots follow the water-table 

 down and so maintain themselves, but if planted two 

 or three days too late they are unable to do so and the 

 plants perish. What crops stand drought best ? Are 

 they deep-rooted plants? 



Care of Roots. — When roots become sickly, water 

 sparingly; place the plant in a cool, shady place, 

 sprinkle the leaves from time to time and, if necessary, 

 prune off some of the leaves and branches. Under 

 these circumstances the plant will need little water 

 (for reasons, see page 212) and the roots will have an 

 opportunity to recover. 



In repotting plants, invert the pot and tap smartly 

 until the ball of earth is loosened. On removing the pot. 



