The reason why : $b a careful collection of many hundreds of reasons for things which, though generally believed, are imperfectly understood. A book of condensed scientific knowledge for the million — John Stuart Mill — John Shaqi
The reason why : $b a careful collection of many hundreds of reasons for things which, though generally believed, are imperfectly understood. A book of condensed scientific knowledge for the million
John Stuart Mill · en
Because the woody fibre _forms a kind of skeleton_, which supports
the internal stricture of the plant, and gives form and character to
its organisation. The woody fibre of plants is analogous to the bony
structure of animal bodies.
1159. _Why, if we cut across the stem of a plant do we see numerous
tubes arranged in parallel lines?_
Because we thereby bring to view _the vessels formed by the membranes
and fibres_ of the vegetable body, for the transmission of the fluids,
by which the structure is sustained.
[Verse: "It was planted in a good soil by great waters, that it
might bring forth branches, and that it might bear fruit, that it might
be a goodly vine."--EZEKIEL XVII.]
Skeleton leaves, and seed vessels of plants, form exceedingly
interesting objects, and serve to illustrate the wonderful
structure of plants. With patience and care, they may be produced
by any person, and will afford an interesting occupation. The
leaves should be gathered when they are in perfection--that is,
when some of the earliest leaves begin to fall from the trees.
Select perfect leaves, taking care that they are not broken, or
injured by insects. Lay them in pans of _rain water_, and expose
them to the air to undergo decomposition. Renew the water from
time to time, taking care not to damage the leaves. They need
not be examined more than once a week, and then only to see that
the water is sufficient to cover them. Give them sufficient time
for their soft parts to become decomposed, then take them out,
and laying them on a white plate with a little water, wash away
carefully, with a camel-hair pencil, the green matter that clings
to the fibres. The chief requirement is _patience_ on the part
of the operator, to allow the leaves and seed vessels sufficient
time to decompose. Some leaves will take a few weeks, and others
a few months, but a large panful may be put to decompose at the
same time, and there will always be some ready for the process
of cleansing. When they are thoroughly cleaned, they should be
bleached, by steeping for a short time in a weak solution of
chloride of lime. They should then be dried, and either pressed
flat, or arranged in bouquets for preservation under glass shades.
The result will amply reward the perseverance of the operator.
1160. _Why are clayey soils unfavourable to vegetation?_
Because the soil is _too close and adhesive_ to allow of the free
passage of air or water to the roots of the plants; it also obstructs
the expansion of the fibres of the roots.
1161. _Why are sandy soils unfavourable to vegetation?_
Because they consist of particles that have _too little adhesion to
each other_; they do not retain sufficient moisture for the nourishment
of the plants; and they allow too much solar heat to pass to the roots.
1162. _Why are chalk soils unfavourable to vegetation?_