IS BOTANY FOR BEGINNERS. | Ch. IX 



181. Some plants are destitute of leaves ; they are then call- 

 ed Aphyllous, which term signifies wanting leaves. 



1S'2. In determining the species of plants, the leaves are 

 much regarded. Specific names are often given from some cir- 

 cumstance of the leaf; for example, the HEPATICA triloba is that 

 species of the Hepatica which has leaves with three divisions, 

 called lobes ; the VIOLA rotundifolia is a species of violet with 

 round leaves. 



183. A knowledge of the various appearances presented by 

 leaves, is of great importance ; in order to become acquainted 

 with all their varieties, considerable practice in the analysis ot 

 plants is necessary. Engravings will assist you in understand- 

 ing definitions, but you must consult mature. There are many 

 terms to express the varieties observable in leaves ; we shall 

 here explain some of the most important. 



1S4. 1. Seminal leaves are those which come up with the 

 plant when it first appears above the surface of the earth ; as in 

 irden bean: these leaves are the cotyledons, or lobes of 

 the s->ed, which, after nourishing the young plant, decay. 



. 133. 2. Primordial leaves succeed the seminal ones, and 

 reseiuble them in position, form, and size. The primordial 

 leaf, according to the fanciful idea of a French botanist, is a 

 sketch which nature makes before the perfection of her work. 



136. 3. Characteristic leaves are found in the mature state 

 of the plant ; or according to the idea above advanced, nature 

 'here perfects her design. 



187. It is not always, however, that this process with regard 

 to Change of leaves takes place ; as in many cases the proper, 

 or characteristic leaf, is the only one which appears. 



188. There are many terms to express the mode of insertion 

 of the leaf; such as radical, growing from the root (radix,) 

 tauiine, growing from the stem (canlis^) &c. 



189. To express the position of leaves, we find the terms. 

 te, alternate, &c. 



181. Whai are plants destitute of leaves called 1 

 rt-2. Is the leaf noticed in determining 1 the species of plants 1 

 83. What is the best way of learning the varieties of leaves 1 



Describe the seminal leaf. 

 135. Describe the primordial leaf. 

 lef>. Describe the characteristic leaf. 



187. Does this process with respect to the change of leaves always 

 aikerlace 7 



188 What are some of the terms which express the mode of inser* 

 Don of the leaf 1 



18^. What terms txpiess the position of the leaf* 



