THE LEAF 



Fig 24 



FRONS, or FROND, Fig. 24. This is the 

 stem and leaf in one, or in other words, the 

 flowers and fruit are produced on the leaves 

 themselves. This stem is peculiar to flow- 

 erless plants. Ex. Common Polypody, 

 (Poly podium vulgare.) The figure repre- 

 sents a Frond, with the fruit on its back. 



STIPE, (Stipes,) Fig. 25. The Stipe is the 

 part which elevates the cap in the Fungus 

 tribe. It is the stem of the Mushroom or 

 Toad-stool. This term is also applied to the 

 little pillar which supports the down in the 

 compound flowers, or connects the wings with 

 the seeds, as in the Dandelion and Salsify. 



THE LEAF. (Folium.) 



The leaf is so general an organ of plants, that its absence 

 especially in warm climates, would deprive the face of the 

 earth of her greatest beauty ; and yet this is not an universal, 

 or essential organ. In some plants, as in the Saltwort, (Sal- 

 icornia,) Fig. 16, and in most of the cryptogamous class, it is 

 entirely wanting. Leaves are generally oblong and expanded 

 in their forms, and for the most part thin and delicate in their 

 texture. Some are, however, fleshy and succulent, as in the 

 House-leek tribe. In almost all leaves, the upper and under 

 surfaces differ from each other in color, or in texture, the up- 

 per surface being more commonly smooth and polished, while 

 the under one is rough, or covered with hoary down. 



Leaves are furnished with minute vessels, through which 

 the sap circulates, and in the upper surface is exposed to the 



What is a frond ? What is the difference between a stipe and a scape ? 

 Is the leaf an essential organ of plants ? In what tribe are the leaves 

 chiefly wanting? What difference commonly exists between the upper 

 and under side of the leaves ? 



