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First Steps to Botany, Intended as Popular Illustrations of the Science, Leading to its
Study as a Branch of General Education
(1826):
"3. Radix ramosa. The ramose or branched root is more frequent
than any other [of the eight types of roots described in this chapter]. It is divided into numerous ramifications,
like the branches of a tree, and all trees have roots of this kind. The structure of the ramose root differs in
scarcely any respect [10] from that of the trunk and branches; and indeed the branches, stem, and root of a tree may be
considered as essentially the same, since any apparent difference seems to arise merely from their being placed in
different circumstances. Branches may, for the sake of illustration, be considered as roots growing in the air;
and roots as branches growing in the earth. Trees of various kinds have been inverted, their branches that formerly
bore leaves have been changed into roots by being buried in the soil; and the roots, elevated into the atmosphere, have
become covered with foliage. For this experiment the willow answers particularly well, and as a farther illustration
of the principle, I may mention a method of propagating various fruit-trees practised in China and Bengal. |
| Fig. 3 |
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"branch of one of these trees. The first step is to remove a circle of the bark
of about an inch in length, the space for instance from (b) to (c), this being done the interspace (a)
will of course be naked; the next step therefore is to surround this naked circle with a ball of earth, which is to be [11]
retained with a slip of matting, and then a vessel of water is suspended over it, with a small orifice just sufficient to
let as much water slowly drop as will keep the earth moist. This operation is to be done in spring; in autumn, the
branch is to be sawn off, and then it will be found that a number of roots have sprung from the upper circumference
(c) and have shot into the ball; the branch is then to be planted in the ground, and in the following year it will
be a small tree, bearing fruit.* In the roots of some trees we find a particularly strong tendency to assume the
functions of branches when exposed to the atmosphere; hence we learn that in the cocoa-tree (Theobroma Cacao),
"flowers spring out from the ligneous roots wherever the earth leaves them uncovered."** When trees also are
blown down, and survive, their roots [12] which are exposed to the air become covered with foliage. "* The above is the method used by the Chinese for obtaining dwarf specimens of fruit-bearing trees, of which they are remarkably fond. In Lord Macartney's Embassy to China, the following account is given: 'The hall of audience furnished also another object of curiosity, striking at least to strangers. On several tables were placed in frames, filled with earth, dwarf pines, oaks, and orange-trees, bearing fruit. None of them exceeded, in height, two feet [sic] Some of those dwarfs bore all the marks of decay from age: and upon the surface of the soil were interspersed small heaps of stones, which in proportion to the adjoining dwarfs, might be termed rocks. These were honeycombed and moss-grown, as if untouched for ages, which served to maintain the illusion, and to give an antique appearance to the whole. This kind of stunted vegetation seemed to be much relished by the curious in China; and specimens of it were to be found in every considerable dwelling.' -- Staunton's Embassy, vol. i. p. 428. "** Humboldt's Pers. Nar. vol. iv. p. 234." 2 |