THE INTEREST IN PLANT FORMS 



67 



when the sun is low and behind the observer. Stand at 

 some distance. Look at the dark places in the old pasture 

 maple: they are lumpy and irregular. In the pasture beech 

 they are in layers or strata. The shadows depend mostly 

 on the method of branching. Those who take photographs 

 know how the "high lights" and 

 shadows develop on the plate. 

 (Fig. 117.) 



143. The habit of a plant is 

 usually most apparent when it is 

 leafless. The framework is then 

 revealed. Woody plants are as 

 interesting in winter as in sum- 

 mer. Observe their forms as out- 

 lined against the sky every one 

 different from every other. Notice 

 the plant forms as they stand in 

 the snow. (Fig. 114.) Compare 

 this form with that of the cotton 

 in Fig. 115; or with that of any 

 other plant. How do stems of 



the pigweed differ from those of burdock and grasses? 

 Observe how the different plants hold snow and ice. 



144. The more unusual the shape of any tree or other 

 plant, the greater is our interest in it, because our curiosity 

 is awakened. Some unusual circumstance or condition 

 has produced the abnormal form. Such plants should be 

 preserved whenever possible. (Fig. 116.) 



REVIEW. What do you mean by the statement that each kind of 

 plant has its own habit (36)? How do plants differ in habit? Name 

 some of the forms of tree-tops. How may plants differ in the furnish- 

 ing of the top? Is the trunk characteristic? Bark? Bring in and 

 describe the bark of three kinds of trees. What is the expression of 

 a tree? Name some of the expressions? Explain what you under- 

 stand by the shadows in the top. On what do the shadows chiefly 

 depend? What is there to see in plants in winter? Why are we interested 



117. The lights and shades. Honey 

 locust tree. 



