THE TREES OF THE WOOD. 195 



produce by the contrast of their colour with the surrounding 

 foliage. The Fern, or cut-leaved Beech, is a very variable tree. 

 Sometimes the leaves are in narrow shreds like a fern, and at 

 other times they bear more resemblance to the leaves of a willow. 

 It is variously described as F. s. heterophylla^ asple?iifolia, or 

 laciniata. The variegated Beech {F. s. foliis variegatis) is more 

 uncommon. The leaves are irregularly streaked and marked with 

 white, yellow, or purple. The Weeping Beech (7^ s. pendida) is 

 known by its pendant branches. The above varieties of Fagiis 

 sylvatica are propagated almost entirely by grafts. 



EXPLANATION OF PLATE XIV. 



Fig. 1. — Beech inast dehiscing, showing the two nuts ready to escape 

 from the cupule. The bud for the next season is seen in 

 axil of the leaf. 



2. — Beech nut. 



3. — Ditto, with the involucre removed, and the suspended seed 

 displayed. 



4. —Germination of Beech. The hardened involucre is ready 

 to be tjirovvn otf ; the folded cotyledons can be seen beneath. 

 The Radicle has appeared. 



5. — Showing the folding of the cotyledons. 



6. — Cotyledons in a raised position. 



7. — Further stage, ready for expansion. 



8. — The two leafy cotyledons, and the first appearance of the 

 future growth. 



9. — Cotyledons and lirst pair of leaves. 



10. — A young Beech tree. 



) J 



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Colourless Preparations of plants, which usually turn a 

 dark brown on being put into alcohol may be prepared, according 

 to De Vries, by mixing with the alcohol two per cent, of acid, 

 such as hydrochloric. It does not interfere with the microscopic 

 investigation of such specimens, as the acid allows the alcohol to 

 harden the cell walls and contents as usual. Several changes of 

 alcohol may be necessary to remove all the colour. — Bot. Gaz. 



