CONTINUED EMBRYOLOGY 15 



pages that the body of all the Higher Plants is constructed. The 

 number and exact position of the leaves may vary, and consequently 

 the number and position of the branches, since these arise from axillary 

 buds. The form and proportion also of the axes and leaves is open 

 to great difference of detail, according as they are adapted biologically 

 to the conditions under which they live. But these are only minor 

 modifications, which may make the plan more obvious in some 

 cases than in others. Examination of ordinary herbs, shrubs and 

 trees from the point of view suggested here should be practised upon 

 the varied vegetation seen on any country walk. Such observations 

 will show the constancy of the scheme of organisation of the Higher 

 Plants, even in complicated cases. They will also illustrate in what 

 various ways the number, form and proportion of the parts may differ. 

 Thus there comes about that great diversity in appearance shown by 

 the plants that make up ordinary vegetation, though underlying the 

 construction of them all there is still a consistent plan. The salient 

 feature of this plan of construction of the Higher Plants is the capacity 

 for an indefinite vegetative increase in size and complexity of the individual, 

 which is based upon their " Continued Embryology." 



