72 TENDRILS. PART I. 



leaves of a branched and spiral form terminates at 

 last in a flat and fleshy process, by which it can attach 

 itself, in default of better support, even to the surface 

 of a brick or stone wall. 



In the Common Ivy, Hedera Heliv, the tendrils 

 are not indeed spiral, but tfcey are pro rudod all 

 along the body of the stem or branches in the form 

 of small fibres, at least on the side next to the sup- 

 porter, insinuating themselves into the very body of 

 it, if a vegetable, and fixing themselves as if real 

 roots ; and in default of vegetable support, clinging 

 even to the naked wall and to the surface of the 

 smoothest flint, and multiplying and attaching 

 themselves firmly as the stem elongates, which thus 

 often climbs to the summit of the loftiest trees, or 

 to the battlements of the loftiest towers, covering 

 the decayed trunk with a borrowed foliage, and 

 giving beauty even to the mouldering ruin. 



SECTION IV. 



The StipulcE. 



r>efini- THE stipulse are small and foliaceous appendages 

 accompanying the real leaves and assuming the ap- 

 pearance of leaves in miniature. Malpighi is said 

 to have been the first to observe and describe them, 

 and to inquire into their uses in the vegetable 

 economy. 



Modifica- Their figure is very much diversified in different 



tions. 



