8 
PLANTS. 
somewhat to resemble the meshes of a large net; and 
in such a manner that the fibrous vessels frequently 
admit of spaces between them, which are sometimes 
in the form of a lozenge, sometimes square, but 
generally oblong. In all plants they are most nu- 
merous towards the inner edge of the bark. It is 
unnecessary to add, that roots differ exceedingly in 
their formation, as this must be obvious to every one; 
the bulbous, the taper, and the fibrous root being 
constantly in use for culinary purposes. 
The Trunk. 
In passing to the trunk of the tree (the observa- 
tions on which apply equally to the branches) it 
will be necessary to premise, that it is only a conti- 
nuation of the same parts we have already described, 
though frequently very different in its texture and 
appearance. 
The bark is the first thing which occurs to our 
notice, the principal body of which consists of pulp, 
and an innumerable assemblage of minute vessels. 
This part of the tree may be divided into the in- 
ward bark, or fine skin immediately contiguous to 
the wood ; the epidermis, or outward skin, which 
is a net extending over all the exterior surface of 
the tree ; and the intermediate bark, or thick sub- 
stance between the two preceding skins. 
The fine bark is a very singular production in 
trees ; it seems to be a collection of little skins, or 
a tissue of fibres glewed over one another ; the first 
and innermost round of which disengages itself from 
