Seasonal Growths of Stems. 



39 



a 



Fig. 26. a. Buckeye, winter bud. 

 b, One of the inner pair of scales 

 which has, in its spring growth, 

 developed leaflets, showing that 

 the bud scales are petioles. 



which makes of such a tiny beginning a bunch of flowers 

 a foot long.* 



Secure, if possible, a straight stem three or four years 

 old. Such stems may be found growing from a stump, 

 from the base of a poplar, or 

 in the top of any fruit tree. 

 Cut it near the base of the 

 first of the three or the four 

 years growth. 



EXERCISE 24. 



Seasonal Growths of 

 Stems. Cut smoothly the 

 base of the stern. You thus 

 expose to view a section of the oldest as well as the newest 

 wood. This section should, if you have followed directions, 

 be near the base of the oldest growth. If each seasonal 

 growth, after the first, forms a layer of wood outside of 



* Sometimes only one of the pair of buds at the base of the peduncle grow; 

 and rarely neither of them grow the season after their formation. When they 

 make but a short growth the terminal buds may not produce blossoms. 



The spring growth (in February, March, and April) of winter buds should 

 be studied by classes working from January to June. None of our native trees 

 are more interesting than the California buckeye. The bud scales grow con- 

 siderably, as shown in the figures here explained, and thus furnish proof of the 

 fact that they are of the nature of leaves, but represent only a part of the leaf. 



The winter buds of sycamore are very interesting, and should be studied if 

 material can be obtained. The scales form a series of complete caps. Before 

 the leaves fall the buds are completely hidden by the petioles which en wrap them. 



When it is difficult to obtain specimens from native trees such cultivated trees 

 as maple, box-elder, tulip-tree (very interesting), and locust may be studied. 

 Lilacs have large buds. 



