iv INTRODUCTION. 



THE STEM. The stem is said to be simple when it 

 bears leaves, or leaves and flowers only without branches ; 

 as in Grass of Parnassus, p. 82. 



A compound stem is repeatedly and irregularly 

 branched, as in Flax-seed, p. 110. 



A stem is said to be forked when it divides into two 

 branches of equal, or nearly equal size. The stem of 

 Annual Knawel, p. 536, is repeatedly forked. 



The term erect, when applied to the stem, has the 

 same meaning as perpendicular. 



An ascending stem is one which is horizontal when 

 first it leaves the root, and then becomes erect. When 

 several stems grow from one root, the central one is often 

 erect, the rest ascending, as in the common Mallow. 



A prostrate stem trails along the ground without ever 

 becoming erect. 



A creeping stem differs from the last by sending out 

 roots from its joints. Some plants have erect stems 

 with creeping scions, or shoots from the base, as the 

 Creeping Buttercup, p. 12. 



THE AXIL. This name is given to the angle formed 

 by a leaf where it leaves the stem. A bud or flower 

 which springs from this angle, is termed axillary. 



THE LEAF. Leaves which spring directly from the 

 root are called radical ; those which grow on the stem 

 are either alternate, as in Balsam, p. 130; opposite, as 

 in the Pink, p. 91 ; or whorled : the leaves of Woodruff, 

 p. 308, grow in whorls. 



