DESCRIPTIVE NOMENCLATURE. 245 



PAGE 



The nomenclature of the leaf consists, in botanical 

 books, of little more than barbarous, and, for the gen- 

 eral reader, totally useless attempts to describe their 

 forms in Latin. But their forms are infinite and indescrib- 

 able except by the pencil. I will give central types of 

 form in the next volume of Proserpina ; which, so that 

 the reader sees and remembers, he may call anything he 

 likes. But it is necessary that names should be assigned 

 to certain classes of leaves which are essentially differ- 

 ent from each other in character and tissue, not merely 

 in form. Of these the two main divisions have been 

 already given : but I will now add the less important 

 ones which yet require distinct names. 



I. APOLLINE. Typically represented by the laurel. . 51 



II. ARETIIUSAN. Kepresented by the alisma 52 



It ought to have been noticed that the character of ser- 

 ration, within reserved limits, is essential to an Apolline 

 leaf, and absolutely refused by an Arethusan one. 



III. DRYAD. Of the ordinary leaf tissue, neither 

 manifestly strong, nor admirably tender, but 

 serviceably consistent, which we find generally 

 to be the substance of the leaves of forest trees. 

 Typically represented by those of the oak. 



IV. ABIETINE. Shaft or sword-shape, as the leaves 

 of firs and pines. 



V. CRESSIC. Delicate and light, with smooth tissue, 



as the leaves of cresses, and clover. 



