THE ROOT. 
33 
At A, Fig. 23, a shows the disk or surface where 
the fibers are attached to the base of the bulb ; this 
IS the root-stalk. The bulb above, contains the 
leaves, stems, and flowers of the plant. B shows the 
same bulb cut vertically, to expose the embryo plant. 
c. The production by bulbs, is only a continu- 
ation of the old plant, while by means of the seed, 
a new plant is brought forth. This is an impor- 
tant distinction ; and it is observed that in pro- 
cess of time, a plant continued by means of repro- 
duction, whether by bulbs, grafting, or any other manner, ultimately dwindles and 
degenerates as if worn out with old age, and it becomes necessary to renew its 
vigor by producing a young plant from the seed. This is the case with the potato; 
the farmer who finds his stock degenerating is obliged to provide himself with new 
tubers 'produced from the seed. 
38. The specific character of plants is sometimes taken from 
the root, or tuber, and, in some cases, the specific name ; as 
soLANUM tuberosum^ the potato, and kanunculus hulbosus. Tlie 
tuberiferons and bulbiferous roots distinguish those species 
from all others of the families Solanum and Ranunculus. 
a. We find, on casting a rapid glance over the face of the earth, that variety iti 
the form of roots is not without its peculiar use. Mountains being exposed to 
winds, are covered with plants Avhirh have branching roots with strong and woody 
fibers. These fastening themselves into the clefts of rocks, take firm hold, and the 
trees they support seem undauntedly to brave the violence of storms and tempests. 
Spindle roots abound in rich soft grounds, which they can easily penetrate. Damp 
and loose soils are rendered fit for the use of man, by being bound together by 
creeping and fibrous roots. We find here, as in every part of nature, proofs of a 
wise Creator, who makes naught 
" In vain, or not for admirable ends." 
39. There are some j^lants which are not fixed, but float about 
in the water ; some grow upon other plants, and some derive 
sustenance from air alone. Of the first kind, or Aquatic plants^ is 
the Lemna, or duckmeat, which grows in stagnant water, having 
thread-like roots, not confined to any fixed place. The water 
star-grass {CallitriGhe aquaUoa)^ previous to its blossoming, 
floats about, and is nourished bj its suspended fibers ; after 
flowering, it sinks to the bottom, its roots become fixed, and 
its seeds ripen. These seeds germinating, a new race of plants 
appear, which rise to the surface of the water, blossom, and 
sink to the earth, producing in turn their successors. Some of 
the Cryptogamous plants, particularly of the genus Fucus, 
exist in a wandering manner, often forming islands of consid- 
erable size. In the Gulf of Florida, the Fucus natans is very 
abundant ; this, by voyagers, is often called gulf-weed, and is 
sometimes found in masses extending many miles, and, 
" Sailing on ocean's foam. 
Where'er the surge may sweep, the tempest's breath prevail," 
Fig. 23. 
c. Difference between the continuation jf plants by bnlbs, &c., and by raising from the seed.— 
38. Specific character and name taken from the roots — a. Utility in the variety of form iu roots'— 
39. Aquatic plants. ^ 
