LEAF-BEGINNINGS AND LEAF-FORMS 



269 



not to mention the numerous representatives of the White Mustard 

 < Sinapis alba), Corn-spurrey (Spergula arvensis), Hare's-ear (Bupleurum), 

 Corn-cockle (Agroatemma gilhago), Succory (Cichorium intybus), etc. But 

 the Poppies (Papaver rhceas) are pre-eminent. They "fill every interstice 

 between the Barley-stalks, their scarlet petals turned back in very languor 

 of exuberant colour, as the awns, drooping over, caress them" (Jefferies). 

 Observe the irregular leaves of these frail beauties, with their divi- 

 sions extending very nearly to the midrib. We call a leaf of this 

 kind pinnatisect. If you 

 compare with these a 

 leaf of the White Mus- 

 tard (Sinapis alba), that 

 tallish plant with yellow 

 four-petalled flowers, 

 you will find that it is 

 not so deeply divided, 

 though the divisions, as 

 in the Poppy, follow 

 the direction of the 

 principal veins. It is 

 pinnatijid. Leaves of 

 this plant may also 

 be described as lyrate, 

 from their general re- 

 semblance to a lyre, 

 their terminal lobes be- 

 ing much the largest, 

 and the other lobes de- 

 creasing gradually to- 

 wards the base. 



Ere quitting the field, 

 secure a specimen of the 

 Corn-spurrey (Spergula 

 arvensis). This plant is 

 a friend of farmers when 

 found on meadow-land, 

 but a troublesome obnoxious weed here among the corn. Its small white 

 rlowers are very sensitive to atmospheric changes. Qne writer affirms that 

 he has seen a whole field, which was whitened with its blossoms, entirely 

 changed in appearance by the petals closing when a black cloud passed 

 over and discharged a few drops of rain. The plant may always be 

 recognized by its slender cylindrical leaves, arranged in whorls round 

 the stem. Leaves which thus grow in whorls are said to be 

 verticillate. 



Photo by\ IE. Step. 



FIG. 328. PEIVET (Ligustrum vulgare). 

 Showing the lance-shaped, opposite leaves and black berries. 



