INFLORESCENCE 195 



the irregular stumpy branches of the oak and walnut ; the stiff, straight 

 twigs of the ash ; the zigzag switches of the black locust, Osage orange, 

 elm, linden, etc. Measure the twigs on various species and see if there 

 is any relation between the length and thickness of branches. Notice 

 the different trend of the upper, middle, and lower boughs in most 

 trees and account for it. Observe the mode of branching of as many 

 different species as possible of some of the great botanical groups of 

 trees ; the oaks, hickories, hawthorns, or pines, for instance, and notice 

 whether it is, as a general thing, uniform among the species of the same 

 group, and how it differs from that of other groups. 



In connection with Sections 249-263, buds of as many different kinds 

 as possible should be examined with reference to their means of protec- 

 tion, their vernation and phyllotaxy, and the modes of growth result- 

 ing from them. Compare the folding of the cotyledons in the seed 

 with the vernation of the same plants, and observe whether the folding 

 is the same throughout a whole group of related plants, or only for the 

 same species. Notice which modes seem to be most prevalent. Select 

 a twig on some tree near your home or your schoolhouse and keep a 

 record of its daily growth from the first sign of the unfolding of its 

 principal bud to the full development of all its leaves. Any study of 

 buds should include an observation of them in all stages of develop- 

 ment. 



With Sections 264-281, study the inflorescence of the common plants 

 and weeds that happen to be in season, until you have no difficulty in 

 distinguishing between the definite and indefinite sorts, and can refer 

 any ordinary cluster to its proper form. Notice whether there is any 

 tendency to uniformity in the mode of inflorescence among flowers of 

 the same family. Consider how each kind is adapted to the shape and 

 habit of the flowers composing it, and what particular advantage each 

 of the specimens examined derives from the way its flowers are clus- 

 tered. In cases of mixed inflorescence see if you can discover any 

 reason for the change from one form to the other. 



