CHAPTER VII 

 WINTER BUDS 



83. WHAT BUDS ARE. Because of cold or dry weather, 

 the plant is forced into a period of inactivity. We have 

 seen that it stores food, and is ready to make a quick 

 start in the spring. It also makes embryo branches and 

 packs them away underneath close -fitting scales : these 

 branchlets and their coverings are winter buds. The 

 growing points of the plant are at rest for a time. In 

 the warm season, the growing point is active, and the 

 covering of scales is not so pronounced. A winter bud 

 may be defined as a resting covered growing point. 



84. A dormant bud, therefore, is a shortened axis or 

 branch, bearing miniature leaves or floivers, or both, and 

 protected by a covering. Cut in two, lengthwise, a bud of 

 the horse-chestnut or other plant which has large buds. 

 With a pin, separate the tiny leaves. Count them. Ex- 



amine the big bud of the rhubarb 

 as it lies under the ground in winter 

 or early spring. Dissect large buds 

 of the apple and pear. Figs. 51, 52. 

 85. The bud is protected by firm 

 51 and dry scales ; but these scales are 

 B cot showing onlv modified leaves. The scales fit 



the minia- l Oftpn tViP "hurl i 52 - Bud of pear 



UI 



ture leaves. - showing both 



by varnish ( see horse - chestnut Jfo^ers & The 

 and the balsam poplars). Most winter HtSfkSS>fa 

 buds are more or less woolly. Examine the center - 

 them under a lens. As we might expect, bud -coverings 

 are most prominent in cold and dry climates. 



(36) 



