42 FIELD AND WOODLAND PLANTS 



easily understood if we carefully observe the positions of the buds 

 as seen during the winter months ; and watch the development of 

 these buds during early spring. 



If the buds are irregularly scattered on the twigs, the lateral 

 buds being as strongly developed as the terminal ones, while, in 

 the spring, as is often the case, certain only of the buds develop into 

 new twigs, the others remaining dormant, then the branches assume 

 that irregular, crooked appearance so characteristic of the Oak. 

 If, on the other hand, all the terminal buds are well developed, 

 and the lateral buds are weaker and more regularly distributed, but 

 farther apart, then the tree grows more rapidly in height than in 

 breadth, and assumes more nearly the character of the Pyramidal 

 Poplar. It will thus be seen that the study of trees in their winter 

 condition is not altogether lacking in interest. 



Referring once more, but briefly, to the matter of dormant buds, 

 we recommend the reader not only to observe that some buds do 

 not expand with the others during the spring, but to make them the 

 subject of experiment. Thus, when the Horsechestnut is weU in 

 leaf, dormant buds will usually be seen on the sides of the twigs, 

 sheltered by the spreading leaves produced at the tips. Now 

 remove the whole cluster of leaves formed by the terminal bud, 

 together with the bud itself, and the hitherto dormant laterals, under 

 the influence of increased hght and warmth, and suppUed with sap 

 that is now directed into new channels, will speedily show signs of 

 growth. Similarly, the fruit-gardener will remove the tips of the 

 branches of his fruit trees, which often bear buds that are destined 

 to produce leafy twigs only, and thus encourage the growth of the 

 fruiting buds that are situated lower on the twigs. 



Let us now briefly consider the structure of buds and the manner 

 in which they are protected. Most buds are smTOunded by 

 brownish scales which are impervious to water, and thus prevent 

 a loss by evaporation at a season when the activity of the roots in 

 absorbing moisture from the soil is suspended. Such loss is still 

 further insured in some cases by a covering of natural varnish. 

 On removing this protective coat we find a dense cluster of closely- 

 packed leaves, variously folded or crumpled in different species, 

 and often, in the centre, a cluster of flowers. 



What, then, is the true definition of a bud ? It is a young 

 branch, and may give rise to a mature branch bearing foliage 

 leaves only, floral leaves only, or a combination of both. A trans- 

 verse section of a bud, examined, if necessary, with the aid of the 



