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 

 veiy young root can be partially made out by examining 

 the entire root with a moderate magnifying power, since 



Fig. 15. 

 A Taproot. 



Fig. 10. 

 Fibrous Roots. 



Fig. 17. 

 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 



1 If 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 ceU 

 on a microscope slide, may be used. 



