CHAP. XII.J 
WATERING. 
65 
the plant. This is injurious in every respect. 
Water, when poured profusely on the collar 
of the plant, which is the point of junction 
between the root and the stem, is likely to 
rot, or otherwise seriously injure that vital 
part; while the spongioles, which alone can 
absorb the water, so as to benefit the plant, 
being at the extremity of the roots, are al¬ 
ways as far removed from the stem as the 
nature of the plant will allow. Thus, the 
distance from the stem at which water should 
be given varies in different plants. In those 
that have tap-roots, such as the carrot, and 
many other culinary vegetables, the lateral 
fibrous roots are short, and the spongioles 
are comparatively near the stem; but in 
trees, and most plants having spreading 
roots, the spongioles are generally as far 
distant from the stem as the extremity of the 
branches; and the water, to be efficacious, 
should be given there. 
The quantity of water to be given varies, not 
only according to the nature of the plant, 
but to the state of its growth. In spring, 
when the sap first begins to be in motion, 
and the young plant is every day unfolding 
F 
