84 
THE FIRST BOOK OF BOTANY. 
fleshy and enlarged, taking the form shown in Fig, 
130, they are called Tubercular Roots. 
It is easy to see that the moniliform root is only a 
fibrous root, in which regular portions of the fibers 
have become swollen. When all these swellings unite 
in one continuous enlargement, they form a fascicu¬ 
lated root (Fig. 129). When the swellings are short¬ 
ened and globular (Fig. 130), they form tubercular 
roots. 
With the help of these figures and their explana- 
Fig. 130. 
tions, you should use your best judgment to decide 
what is the variety of tap or fibrous roots to which 
the plant you are studying belongs. 
It is also well to note whether the root is small or 
large compared with the stem and branches; whether 
it is loosely or firmly planted in the soil; and whether 
it spreads near the surface or grows downward. 
