ROOTS. 37 
137. Spindle roots are large at the top, and ta- 
pering downwards, as carrots, radishes, &c.—This 
root has but few radicles, and is therefore not so 
well furnished with the means of gaining its food 
as some others. You could easily convince your- 
selves that the plant owes its food to these fibres, 
by taking two radishes, placing one in water until 
every part is covered except the radicles, and put- 
ting only the radicles of the other in water ;— 
while the leaves of the former would soon droop 
and die, those of the latter would for some time 
remain fresh and green. 
138. Creeping 
roots, instead of 
forcing their way 
downwards into 
the earth, extend 
almost _ horizon- 
tally along its 
surface; they 
send out many 
fibres, and new 
plants spring forth from the roots in every direction around the: 
original one. This kind of root is very hardy ; it grows in san- 
dy places, and is often useful in binding the soil, by spreading 
and weaving its fibres together. Holland, which is much ex- 
posed to the washing of its numerous lakes and bays, has. its: 
coasts bound together by such vegetable products. 
a 
137. Describe spindle roots. . 
138. What are creeping roots? 
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