74 NEW ZEALAND NATURE-STUDY BOOK 
of older stems or branches. Branches of this kind are 
known as stolons. Observe the many thread-like or 
fibrous roots springing from the lower part of the stem and 
from the under surface of the stolons. The roots are long 
and pass deep down into the soil, so that Cocksfoot resists 
dry weather well. Note the numerous basal or radical 
leaves, forming small tufts at the bases of the stems and of 
the still barren side shoots. Notice that the roots do not 
come from a main tap root, but grow in smaller bunches 
from the bases of the leafy stems and branches. The roots 
grow in this way in most plants that have a single seed- 
leat (Monocotyledons). In the warmer season flowering 
stems or culms, as they are called, grow up from the 
better grown branches. Find a “culm” and note that it is 
long, slender, jointed, and clothed with leaves almost 
to the top. When full-grown, each “culm” ends in a 
branched cluster of flower-bearing organs. Note that each 
leat on the culm springs from a joint or node. The part 
between two successive nodes is called an internode. Note 
the number of joints and internodes on the culm; cut down 
along part of the culm and notice that it is hollow 
throughout the internodes and solid at the joints or nodes. 
Notice that the joints are sometimes thicker at one side 
than at the other. The use of the solid joints is to keep 
the culm erect, and they do this by growing thicker at the 
side that is turned more towards the ground. 
Remove a leaf from the lower part of the culm. Note 
its bluish-green colour and that it springs from a joint. 
Cut down through a joint and notice that the firm pro- 
jecting ring is formed by a swelling of the lower part of 
the leaf. Note now the two chief parts of the leaf—the 
basal part, or sheath, wrapped round the culm, and split 
on one side along its whole length; and the blade, long, 
folded, and standing off at an angle from the culm. Note 
