■< 



c well , The rate and mode of growth of Banana leaves. 



The following observations were niade upon banana trees 



iwing in the front of my verandah, and which were planted in 



I »ecember. The data mar appear to cover a large surface of 



paper; tliev were recorded, however, during the spare minutes 



around meal times, and may properly be called a door-step study. 



In the two rirst examples noted the young leaf was observed 

 jnst aa em erging from its enclosure within the stem of the previously 

 u'ii leaf, wliich mode of development it is instructive to watch. 

 When fairly Btarted on its career, the length of the leaf was taken, 

 and the measurement was repeated, at a given time, on each succee- 

 ding day, until the leaf was unfolded and full-grown. 



Tlie following tables give the history of two leaves, whose 

 development was observed in the way explained: 



No. 1. Leaf. 



The same observations were eontinued during the development 



two more leaves, but with these examples the measurements 



e recorded twice daily for the purpose of noting the relative 



proportions of the day and night growtlis. The divisions of time 



were from 7 : :,0 A. M. to 5:30 P. M., giving a period of day 



wth of 10 hours; and from 5 : 30 P. M. to 7 : 30 A. M., giving 



ighl period of 14 hours. The day period represents approxi- 



mately the hours that the sun was above the horizon. 



No. 3. Leaf. 



Night. 



I). 



. 9 UA.M. 



„ 10 



, 11 



. 12 

 , L8 



1 i 

 - 16 

 „ 16 



II 



» 

 . 19 



