314 [ ASSEMBLY | 
tended two feet on either side. As in the cauliflower and cabbage, 
the fibrous roots were most numerous in the upper eight inches of 
the soil. | 
From our observations made thus far, it appears that in the cab- 
bage family, the extent of the roots bears a relation to the amount 
of the foliage. Thus ina plant of Cauliflower, of which the foliage 
was more abundant than that of the sample of cabbage examined, 
the root system was decidedly more extensive. In a plant of Kale, 
having a still larger development of foliage, we found a correspond- 
ingly more extensive development of. roots. 
Although the members of the cabbage family, that we have ex- 
amined, may in one sense be considered as deep rooting plants, from 
the number of their fibrous roots that lie near the surface, it seems 
probable that so far as methods of culture are concerned, they should 
be regarded as shallow rooters. 
CELERY. 
October 9, we examined the roots of a plant of Boston Market 
celery. We found the root system rather concentrated. The 
deeper roots extended scarcely more than fifteen inches, while the 
horizontal ones reached no further. The fibrous roots were numer- 
ous. Many of these proceeded from the tap-root just below the 
base of the leaf stalks. Others grew out from the main roots, of 
which there were four in the plants examined. These were of about 
the thickness of a wheat straw and tapered rapidly until they became 
fibrous. The fibrous roots did not rise into the soil placed about the 
leaf stems for blanching. 
GENERAL OBSERVATIONS. 
It is entirely possible that the average farmer and gardener do not 
realize the extent of the area traversed by the roots of their crops. 
We are accustomed to think of a plant as obtaining its nourishment 
from a small area directly beneath the foliage, whereas, as appears 
from our observation, many plants seem to secure a large part of © 
their food beyond the extent of their leaves. If this be true, it is 
obvious that the effects of hill mannring must be chiefly upon the 
young plant, and that where no fertilizer is applied beyond the limits 
of the hill, it seems probable that the plant receives little benefit 
from the manure at the time when it is completing its growth, and 
maturing its seed. 
What object is attained by the deeply penetrating roots of veg- 
etables, as noted in the case of the pea, parsnip, ete., is an interest- 
ing question. Certainly they are not required for the purpose of 
sustaining the piant against wind. If they were in search of food 
they would hardly penetrate’ in this direction, for we have many 
examples in which-the roots of plants have extended towards their 
food with a directness that seems almost like instinct. If they were 
seeking moisture, it would seem that they might secure it ata lesser 
