104 



Elementary Work in Botany. 



If you have access to a fig-tree, study it this evening. 

 Observe the size, shape, and arrangement of the leaves. 

 Note the line running around the stem at the base of each 

 leaf. Where do the figs grow ? How many sets differing 

 in age ? Cut off a useless sprout, having ready a piece of 

 glass or porcelain on which to catch and dry the juice. 



Secure two or three 

 of each set of figs 

 and bring them with 

 the sprout for the 

 next exercise. 



EXERCISE 54. 



Study of a Fig. 



The India-rubber 

 tree of India is a 

 species of fig, though 

 very unlike a fig in 

 appearance.* Do 

 you think there is India-rubber in the juice of the common 

 fig-tree ? 



Compare the leaves of your specimen with those of 

 others in the class. Are the leaves of different varieties of 

 figs alike ? Look for a hole in the distal end of your fig. 

 Note the bracts at the base. Cut a half-grown or younger 

 fig vertically. Examine with a lens the tiny flowers which 



* The trees of South America and Africa, which furnish most of the India- 

 rubber of commerce, are not near relations of figs. There is India-rubber in the 

 juice of the opposite-leaved milk weeds of this country. 



Fig. 81. a and b. An abnormal fig about two-thirds 

 grown; a bein<j a sectional view showing the inside filled 

 with the real fruits, each one made up of the entire flower, 

 peduncle, sepals and pistil gorged with sweet pulp. b. The 

 outside appearance. The bracts, which are arranged 

 spirally, are numbered from the base uo. c. Section of a 

 very young fig, (about one-tenth of an inch in diameter), 

 showing the numerous bracts and the receptacle covered 

 with blossom buds. 



