144 GLIMPSES IXTO PI.AXT-LIFE 



character and to be well worth}- of close atten- 

 tion. 



I will mention some trees whose buds are speci- 

 alh' remarkable for beauty of form whilst unfoldin<^". 

 The mountain ash has \ery graceful leaves when 

 just emerging from the bud ; the\' show on their 

 upper and under surfaces two distinct shades of 

 green. 



The unfolding weigelia buds are extremely 

 jM-ctty in shaj^e, the leaves being pointed and 

 delicatel}- curled. 



I need hardl)- mention the beech ; nothing can 

 be more exquisite than a spray of its opening 

 buds with their silky fringed young leaves and 

 crimson leaf-scales. I look forward every spring 

 to the joy of watching the unfolding of these 

 caskets. 



A warm sho^\■er or two and some sunn}- da}-s 

 cause them to expand with a rapidit}- which seems 

 magical, and one almost regrets to find the beauty 

 of the buds in their early stages so quickl}- passing 

 awa}-. The ash attracts notice by its jet-black 

 buds, and the w ayfaring tree b}- the delicate vena- 

 tion of its }-oung leaves. 



