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made leaves and began to grow while the tree to which it was 

 attached was perfectly dormant (Fig. 71). 



Not only are the buds ready-formed and ready-fed, but they are 

 covered. Snugly is the growing point protected. Pull away the 

 scales of a winter bud one by one. Observe how closely they are 



71. — Branch of a tree bearing leaves inside a window, when 

 tree itself is dormant. 



placed. Often the chinks are filed with a packing of wool, or are 

 scaled with varnish. Dip the bud in water : then see if the water 

 permeates the covering. The chief value of the bud-covering is not 

 ■to protect from freezing, as commonly supposed, but to prevent the 

 soft growing parts from drj'ing out. 



* 



* * 



The plants are waiting for sj)ring. They are ready. 



500 



