1890.] on the Shapes of Leaves and Cotyledons. Ill 



factors must also be taken into consideration ; but wben this is done, 

 we can, I venture to think, throw much light on the varied forms 

 which seedlings assume. 



I have thus attempted to indicate some of the principles on 

 which, as it seems to me, the shapes of leaves and seedlings depend, 

 and to apply them in certain cases ; but the study is only in its 

 infancy : the number and variety of leaves is almost infinite, and the 

 whole question offers, I venture to think, a very interesting field for 

 observation and research — one, indeed, of the most fascinating in tho 

 whole of Natural History; 



[J. L.] 



