BODS. 



In all cases, whether the leaves be rolled, folded or plaited 

 they are so arranged as to occupy the least possible space 



There is a distinction in the forms of the leaf and flowei 

 buds, by which each may be known, the leaf bud being al 

 ways more slender and pointed than that producing flowers. 

 Hence, gardeners and others, by inspecting the buds of fruit 

 trees, can decide in the Spring, on the prospect of a fruitful 

 season. 



The flower gems, like those of the leaves, are wrapped up 

 in various forms, the petals and calyx being sometimes rolled 

 into spirals, sometimes plaited, or doubled, &c. 



Du Hamel has given some very curious details with re- 

 spect to the bud of the Horse-chestnut, a tree in which this 

 part is peculiarly conspicuous in the fall and early spring. 

 The figures represent three stages in the growth of this bud 



Fig. 150. 



The bud, a, Fig. 150, is represented in its en- 

 tire state, covered with its winter case, or scales, 

 and terminating a branch. 



The same is shown at 5, Fig. 151, examined by 

 dissection in the spring, and exhibiting its young 

 leaves, just beginning to expand, but still enclosed 

 by the bud scales, by which it has been protected 

 during the winter. 



The same, c, Fig. 152, with the young leaves 

 partly opened, the bud scales being removed. 

 The pith of the branch in the autumn was found 

 to terminate completely at the base of the bud as 

 represented in d, Fig. 151, and in the spring fol- 

 lowing, although the pith of the new shoot came 

 in contact with the old, yet it evidently was not 

 a continuation of it, but a new production of the 



ig. 152. 



What is the distinction between the leaf and flower buds ? Is the pith 

 of the new bud a continuation of the old or not ? 



