264 CONSERVATIVE ORGANS. [LECT. VI. 



*** In strength, or the power they (branches) 

 possess of supporting their own weight. 



In this respect branches are either sufficiently 

 thick and strong to support the whole of their 

 weight, whatever may be their relative size, 

 situations, or directions ; or they are so slender 

 as to droop in a greater or less degree. When the 

 latter state exists, the degree of drooping is de- 

 noted by specific terms. Thus they are said to be 



a. Deflected, arched (deflexi), when they hang 

 down so as to describe a curve or arch, the 

 convexity of which is towards the heavens ; as 

 in the Larch, Pinus larix. 



b. Pendent (reflexi), when the apex of the 

 branch droops considerably below the line of its 

 insertion; as in the Weeping Willow, Salix 

 Babylonica. 



c. Pendulous (penduli), when they begin to 

 droop nearly at the point of insertion, so as to 

 hang almost parallel with the stem. 



Such are the particulars connected with the 

 external aspect of stems and branches, when re- 

 motely viewed, which are noticed by Botanists ; 

 but when these organs are examined a little more 

 closely, we find many other important diversities, 

 connected with surface and figure, that are ne- 

 cessary to be demonstrated ; and without an 

 accurate knowledge of which the student cannot 



