THEIR FORMS AND FUNCTIONS. 491 
the dilated base of the petiole for two-thirds of their length, and 
clasp the bud, with narrow, free, apical portions. 
The cauline leaves have much shorter sheaths and the stipules 
are more or less connate at the base, forming a cup round the 
axis. They are adnate to the petiole for one-third to one-half 
their length. The middle cauline leaves are often opposite and 
connate at the base in a decidedly cup-like manner. The upper 
cauline leaves are often reduced to a simple leaflet, with their 
stipules, in which case the stipules are more foliaceous and often 
as large as the solitary leaflet. 
The hibernating buds are mostly, if not all, axillary, and are 
covered by numerous pairs of leaves (apparently in their entirety) 
reduced to decussate imbricate scales. The lamina is represented 
by 1-8 or more apical teeth; and the stipules are reduced to a 
small tooth on each side of the scale some distance above its base. 
The buds are therefore well protected. The stipules, though 
potentially present, are functionless. 
Alchemilla alpina, Linn.—Stipules 1-2 em. long, adnate to the 
petiole for the greater part of their length, and connate almost 
throughout along their posterior edges, where they are merely 
emarginate, the upper third of their length being intrapetiolar ; 
covered with adpressed silky hairs, as are the stems, petioles, and 
underside of the leaves. They thus form along sheath enveloping 
the short stems, whose internodes are but slightly elongated, and 
amply protect not only the terminal bud, but the axillary ones, 
which are very freely produced. As the main axis thickens and 
the axillary buds elongate, the stipules split regularly or irregu- 
larly throughout their length along their posterior edges, and 
frequently the anterior edges likewise as far as the petiole, but 
still remain attached to the latter. The first pair of stipules on 
the axillary branches are precisely like those on the main axis, but 
they have no trace of lamina nor petiole in the sinus. The axillary 
branches bear the flowers, and their upper stipules are shorter, 
with the free portion foliaceous and deeply incised along the 
upper edges, as well as more deeply cut on their posterior edges. 
In Pyrus baccata, Linn., var. microcarpa the stipules are per- 
sistent and heteromorphic. On the elongated and strong-growing 
shoots they are lanceolate, acuminate, serrate, foliaceous, shortly 
petiolate or stalked, adnate but a short way to the side of the 
short dilated base of the petiole, and having a very much smaller 
lobe on the posterior side of their stalk. These small lobes are 
