THEIR FORMS AND FUNCTIONS. 525 
evident, but that of the posterior edges is very evident. When 
first exposed they are very short and small, but during summer 
they gradually lengthen till they are 18-22 em. long or more; in 
winter they remain dormant till the rising temperature, either 
natural or artificial, causes the bud to develop, when they 
lengthen in proportion to the growth of the next younger and 
enclosed leaf. When the latter attains a considerable size, the 
stipules split along the posterior edges and in a day or two fall 
away. They are therefore caducous, but only one pair is visible 
at a time. 
The terminal bud is completely covered by the stipules. 
The axillary buds are rarely evident, and only show themselves 
as minute, scaly points at intervals along the old stems. They 
rarely develop unless the terminal bud has been injured or 
removed. 
The chief points of difference between this species and Ficus 
infectoria are apparently due to the fact that the latter produces 
its leaves very hurriedly like those of the Horse-Chestnut, thus 
accounting for the numerous pairs of stipules being present at 
one time, and that F. elastica develops its leaves very deliberately 
or at long intervals. The much greater size of the unexpanded 
leaf requires a longer period for development; hence the need 
for longer protection, and the reason for the presence of only one 
pair at atime. This also would seem to be the reason why those 
of F’, elastica are connate, so as to give more effectual protection 
during winter or the resting period as well as in summer. 
Cecropia peltata, Linn., also has large intrapetiolar stipules, 
inserted upon the stem, a great part of which they surround, free 
along the posterior edges, but intrapetiolar and completely connate 
there in front of their own leaf; two strong dorsal ribs face the 
edges of the petiole. They ultimately fall away. 
The terminal bud is completely enclosed by the stipules of the 
last expanded or stiJl developing leaf. In the growing stage the 
stipules of the next older leaf still surround and protect the 
greater portion of the bud. 
The axillary buds are protected in their early stages by the 
stipules, between which and the stem they are situated. . 
This type differs from Ficus elastica by the stipules being con- 
nate along the anterior edges only, and that permanently. 
