10 INTRODUCTION. 



at the point of these divisions, but on the sides ; 

 from these the leaves and flower-stems arise in 

 greater or lesser numbers and strength, according 

 to the size and health of the principal tuber. 

 The fibres for collecting food issue from various 

 parts of the tuber, and die off annually. 



The ranunculus presents what is called a 

 digitate, or finger-formed tuber. These finger- 

 shaped appendages are produced in succession ; 

 and seem to be depositories of the food of the 

 plant. The crown divides itself by lateral branches 

 fi-om what may be called its shoulder ; the young 

 offsets being almost always somewhat higher 

 than the parent when this happens to be placed 

 too deep, or lower, if not deep enough. When 

 these offsets have formed one or two fingers, 

 they may be separated from the original, and 

 henceforth become distinct plants. 



The truncated tuber is shewn in the poly- 

 anthus and auricula. That of the former remains 

 in a compact form, throwing out radicles below, 

 and its leaves and flower- stems from the crown 

 above, developing themselves in> succession^ 



