38 FIKLI) AND WOODLAND PLANTS 



In other climbers tlie Wade of tlie leaf is not reducecl in size, 

 even tliough the leaf serves the purj)Ose of a tendril, the function of 

 clinging being assigned exclusively to the petiole or leaf-stalk. This 

 may be observed in the Wild Clematis and the Bryony, in l)oth 

 of which the petiole forms a ring round any branch or stem with 

 which it comes in contact. These petioles are apparently equally 

 sensitive on all sides, and are therefore ready to cling to any available 

 supjiort, whether above or below. In tlie Clematis the leaves arc 

 at first at right angles to the stem of the plant, but they after- 

 wards turn downwards, and thus transform themselves into so many 

 anchors which give additional aid in su|)porting tlie (liiiiljer among 

 the other hedgerow plants and shrubs. 



