Woodhead : Xotes on the Bluebell. 



45 



The cotyledon thus performs a double function, firstly, a 

 sucking- organ by means of its specially modified tip ; secondly, 

 by means of its now enlarged base it forms the first storag-e 

 org-an of the young plant. 



From the thickening stem base adventitious roots arise, and 

 these take the place of the now withered primary root. 



The sing-le foliage leaf continues its activities until June, and 

 then sig'ns of decay appear, first at the tip. Meanwhile the base 

 of this leaf has been enlarging, storing- up reserve materials, and 

 adding its quota to the enlarging bulb (Fig. 3, b). 



The leaves of the second and third year are still narrow, and 

 the development of a flattened blade is slow, the first indication 



Fig. 4, a, slig-htl\- elong'ated bulb with contractile root ; b. contractile root decaying-; c, much 

 elono^ated bulb; d, long-itudinal section of same. Sc. I'oot scar, now lateral in position. 



being the formation of slight wings on either side (Fig. i, e, and 

 in section at g) ; it is not until the fifth year that mature flowering- 

 plants are developed. 



At first the young plants grow" amongst the loose humus at 

 the surface, but preparations have to be made for burying the 

 bulb deeply and firmly in the soil. This is brought about by the 

 development of large median roots four to five inches or more in 

 length, tapering gradually from above downwards. These roots 

 examined in May will be seen to be transversely wrinkled in the 

 upper region (Fig. 4, a). 



1904 February i. 



