Shoshone journal. [volume] (Shoshone, Idaho) 1884-1931, 1897-07-30


It certainly is required for the so
luton OF other food substances,
as well as for maintaining the
proper physical condition Of the
tissues. But there are few per
sons who have any adequate idea
of the vast amount OF water which IS
absorbed by plants from the soil. Even
those whose business is to teach what
is called Botany in the schools rare
ly know what plants do in this re-
spect; and the same may be said OF
those whose business is to grow plants,
TO cultivate them, TO manage soil and
surroundings so as TO obtain the best
results for the labor bestowed. The
facts are remarkable, and may well
astonish all who become acquainted
with them. Believing that SUCH ac-
quaintance may be valuable to some
who may here gain an Introduction
the writer takes pleasure in perform
ing the ceremony. In the first place II
may be stated that leaves IN the orul-
nary health state absorb little or no
wa0er from the air. There has beeh
much difference of opinion upon TINS
point. and even scientists have not
agreed upon it. Gardeners sprinkle
the leafy portions of plants WIN
water, and say that the revival whlch
takes place in willing leaves proves at
once that the water is ABSORBED. NoC
unfrequently the statement IS maHe
that field plants (such as maize revive
at night by absorbing through the
leaves and stems the dew which is de-
posted upon them. Certainly WlIIeo
plants do recover their fresh and
healthful appearance when coplously
showered with water, though not
drop reaches the roots. Certainly
field of corn in a dry time presents
conspicuous enough difference OF ap-
pearance in the middle of hot after
noon and the early morning after
dewey night. But do these things and
others like them show that leaves aD-
sof6 water? A little attention VIII
show that they do not. If the horlsI
will take a plant whose leaves have
begun TO drOOp on account Of the want
of ker. and will place it under
glassvvessel, he may soon see that,
without the addition Of water at all,
the leaves become plump and assume
their proper positions, as when copi-
ousIy sprinkled. What can be the
meaning of this? After a little time
water may be observed condensing
upon the inner surfaces Of the glass,
in dew-like drops. The air within the
vessel becomes saturated with mois-
dropping leaves are regaining their
turgidity. The fact is, that even from
these wilted leaves, while in the open
air. large quantities of water are es-
Gaping. If by any means this amount
is checked, the continuous supply from
the roots soon fills the leaf-cells and
restores their healthful condition.
When the plant is showered with
water, this is exactly what takes place.
1t is true, experiments have proved
that leaves may and do absorb water
abundantly, when they are Immersed
in the fluid. and it is also probably true
that some water may be absorbed by
wilted leaves from drops adhering to
their surfaces; but so far as concerns
the great and useful supply of water
to healthy vegetation, we may unhes-
jtatingly conclude that leaves have
nothing to do with its absorption.
None of it Genes directly from the air.
Atmospheric dew does not gain en-
trance to the tissues. The soil fur
nishes the water, and the roots take
it up. There is no other source nor
other organs for the work. If the
roots send up as much or more than
u. leaves transpire, the latter con-
tinue turgid; il not, they WILT. J.
Burrill.