2 
Parr II 
THE WORK OF PLANTS 
CHAPTER XI 
HOW THE LIVING PLANT USES WATER TO REMAIN FIRM 
To restore firmness in wilted plants. We all know 
how soon flowers or plants wilt after being picked, 
unless they are kept where the air is moist. Many 
times we restore wilted flowers or plants to a fresh 
or firm condition by putting the cut stems or roots 
in water for a time. By a simple experiment one can 
show how to hasten the return of firmness or rigidity 
in the wilted plant. 
Cut off several of the seedlings growing in the soul. 
| Allow them to lie on the table for several minutes until 
they droop. Put the stem of one in a glass of water 
and place over this a glass jar. Leave another stem in 
a glass of water uncovered. The covered one should 
revive sooner than the uncovered one. 
How beet slices remain rigid. A beet freshly dug 
from the soil is quite firm. Cut out slices from the 
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