THE STUDY OF TREES. 269 



the main branches, a downward curve due to the weight 

 and a rise again at the growing end. The side branches 

 also show a similar droop. The uppermost branches stand 

 more erect. These features are very noticeable in the 

 firs. 



Thirdly, we notice its smell. It has a pleasant resinous 

 odour. 



Let us examine a small twig ; verify the following. At the 

 end next the branch there are brownish scales. At the free 

 end there is a small bud covered with similar scales. The 

 former are evidently the scales of the bud, out of which 

 the twig developed There are also in the twig I am 

 examining several lateral buds in the a.xils of leaves near 



Fig. 151. Twig of Spruce Fir with cone attached. Below, a winged seed drawn 

 upon a larger scale is figured. 



the tip. The terminal bud and some of the lateral ones 

 will develop new shoots the following spring. The leaves 

 are arranged in close set spirals round the twig, they 

 are linear, four-cornered in cross section, and show on 

 their surface minute whitih specks, which are drops of 

 resin. 



