i6 



THE FRUIT GROWER'S GUIDE. 



leaves become unnaturally extended in the vain effort to have a sufficient elaboration 

 of the sap effected by means of a large surface exposed to a diminished light, for which 

 a less surface would have been sufficient if the light were stronger. Trees with this 

 unnaturally enlarged leaf surface (c) become unfruitful and yield a deficiency of flowers, 

 because the sap is expended in the production of leaves. This is apparent in all kinds 

 of trees of luxuriant habit and crowded growths. The greater the crowding and 

 absence of light the greater the expansion of leaves, and the thinner, paler, and 



Fig. 2. LEAVES: () Stout, goodle&f, with its strong stomata, or breathing-pores (V). (c)Thin, badle&f, with its 



wtaJc stomata (rf). 



weaker they are (d) as organs of respiration and digestion. Moreover, clean, sound, 

 perfect leaves absorb nourishment from the atmosphere that trees cannot imbibe 

 by their roots from the soil ; also through the leaves moisture passes to the air in the 

 process of transpiration, and on the performance of this function the health of trees 

 largely depends. Much more might be written on this interesting subject, but enough 

 is said to show the high importance of stout, clean, dark green leaves, as the 

 result of direct exposure to light, for on such leaves the health and fruitfulness of trees 

 depend ; and in their absence, through the obstruction of light, good growth cannot be 



