CHAP. I.] AMPELIDE^. 331 



are frequently deeply cut ; the bunches in which 

 the grapes are disposed are called branched or 

 thyrsoid racemes (see 137), and the tendrils, 

 by which the plant climbs, are supposed to be 

 abortive peduncles, drawn out into these long, 

 flexible, curling bodies, instead of producing 

 bunches of grapes. The footstalks of the leaves 

 are articulated, and will separate from the 

 branch without tearing them. The different 

 species of vines differ from each other chiefly 

 in their leaves ; but in the American grapes 

 the calyx is sometimes entire, and sometimes 

 the stamens and pistils are in different flowers. 

 The five-leaved Ivy, or Virginian Creeper 

 (Ampelopsis /ie6?erace«), differs very little from the 

 Vine in the botanical construction of its flowers. 

 The calyx is, however, almost entire, and the 

 five petals separate in the same way as those 

 of other flowers; but in other respects they 

 closely resemble those of the Vines. The berries 

 are small, and not palatable, though they might 

 be eaten with perfect safety. The leaves are 

 palmate, and they are divided into three or five 

 stalked leaflets. The stems are climbing and 

 rooting ; and the leaves take a beautiful deep 

 red in autumn. The genus Cissus also belongs 

 to this order. 



