CHAPTER VI

ON UNDERGROUND LIFE

Mother-earth--Quarries and Chalk-pits--Wandering atoms--The soil or dirt--Populations of Worms, Birds, Germs--Fairy Rings--Roots miles long--How roots find their way--How they do the right thing and seek only what is good for them--Root _versus_ stones--Roots which haul bulbs about--Bishopsweed--Wild Garlic--Dandelion, Plantain--Solomon's Seal--Roots throwing down walls--Strength of a seedling root 82