BUDS AND STIPULES. 259 
third. Their leaf is subulate, and about one-third as long as 
their stipules. Sometimes it dies in winter. The fifth pair are 
sometimes, though not always, as long as the bud. The third 
leaf belongs to them, and has increased considerably in size and 
slightly in length. The sixth pair, because covered by the 
previous ones, are more membranous. The fourth leaf, belonging 
here, is nearly as long as the stipules. The seventh pair are 
about half the length of their leaf, and very membranous. 
The ninth and tenth pairs are less than half the length of 
their leaf. 
The above would be the average composition of a bud at 
mid-winter; but there is considerable variation in the relative 
lengths of the leaves and their sti pules. Sometimes the third leaf 
belonging to the fifth pair of stipules is nearly equal in length to 
the latter; but it may be the fourth, fifth, or sixth leaf which 
attains this size. The first two or three leaves never attain 
any great size, even if they live through the winter. Their 
stipules, however, are always largely deve!oped, and more or less 
cemented together with a viscid gum, obviously for the protection 
of the leaves. The leaves that attain a large size in the bud 
retain their predominance after expansion, while the small outer 
ones remain relatively small. 
The axillary or lateral buds are small, and covered by two pairs 
of large stipules, the rest being smailer. The leaves accompanying 
the latter, however, are relatively large. 
. CONIFERE. 
. Picea excelsa, Link.—The winter-buds (fig. 122) vary greatly 
tw those at the apex and immediately beneath it being 
pest on the leading branches; they are also the first to 
which, growth in spring. All are covered with numerous scales, 
. Consist of modified leaves. The actual number of scales 
n greatly according to the size of the bud. The accom- 
middle eures would represent buds and scales about the 
Scales " anl after growth has recommenced. The ou 
the inner e most coriaceous, and elongate slightly or not at all; 
i T ones are transparent and membranous, elongating con- 
siderably in spring, 
limit leaf (fig. 123) consists of a lamina, which becomes 
or ped ated (when about to fall) from a short persistent portion 
estal, Surmounting a basal portion which is decurrent upon 
