— 6-- 



themselves firmly to the soil in order to support their ex- 

 panse of branches laden with fruit, and to endure the 

 attacks of wind which would blow them over if they had 

 not a sure and solid foothold. 



This old monarch of the forest fell many years ago 

 and now, has so nearly crumbled to dust that only a por- 

 tion of its length is visible. This is one way which Na- 



Decaying Vegetation, 

 ture has of adding organic matter to the soil. The decay- 

 ing of leaves and all other vegetation contribute to the 

 same purpose. Already the seeds that dropped on this 

 fallen trunk have sprung up into sturdy young trees. 



HOW PLANTS FEED. 



We have learned a little about the place from which 

 plants derive their chief food supply and of what that food 

 consists, so now a word to explain the manner in which 



