We have hitherto examined what is called the ultimate division of plants. That is, we have looked at each one of the elements separately, and considered its use in vegetable growth.[Pg 44] Of what do wood, starch and the other vegetable compounds chiefly consist? Are their small ashy parts important? What are these compounds called? Into how many classes may proximate principles be divided? Of what do the first class consist? The second? What vegetable compounds do the first class comprise? We will now examine another division of plants, called their proximate division. We know that plants consist of various substances, such as wood, gum, starch,.
