LECT. IX.] HYBERNACULA. 447 



LECTURE IX. 



OF LEAVES IN THEIR UNEXPANDED STATE, OR AS 



THEY ARE CONTAINED IN THE GEM: IN THEIR 



EXPANDED STATE, OR AS CONSTITUTING FOLIAGE. 



HAVING concluded our examination of roots, 

 stems, and branches, we are now prepared to in- 

 vestigate the structure of leaves. 



In winter, while the power of vegetation is 

 inactive, and the groves and forests present the 

 desolate appearance of naked stems and branches, 

 the majority of trees, shrubs, and many other 

 plants may be regarded as existing in a state of 

 torpor, similar to that which some animals expe- 

 rience in the same season. During this period the 

 leaves are enclosed in small pyramidal bodies, 

 either projecting from the surface of the stem and 

 branches, or seated upon the roots; and in this 

 state they remain until the warmth of the vernal 

 sun, again rousing into action the vegetable func- 

 tions, enables them to burst open their coverings, 

 and clothe the woods anew in all the luxuriance of 

 foliage. In our examination of leaves, therefore, we 

 must regard them both as they are shut up in these 



