146 PRACTICAL COURSE IN BOTANY 



(2) In connection with 155-158, buds of as many different kinds as 

 possible should be examined with reference to their means of protection, 

 their vernation and leaf arrangement, and the resulting modes of growth. 

 Compare the folding of the cotyledons in the seed with the veination of 

 the same plants, and observe whether the folding is the same throughout 

 a whole group of related plants, or only for the same species. Notice which 

 modes seem to b(^ most prevalent. Select a twig on some tree near your 

 home or your schoolhouse, and keep a record of its daily growth from the 

 first sign of the unfolding of its principal bud to the full development of 

 its leaves. Any study of buds should include an observation of them in 

 all stages of development. 



(3) With 160-165, study the inflorescence of the common plants and 

 weeds that happen to be in season, until you have no difficulty in distin- 

 guishing between the definite and indefinite sorts, and can refer any 

 ordinary cluster to its proper form. Notice whether there is any tendency 

 to uniformity in the mode of inflorescence among flowers of the same fam- 

 ily. Consider how each kind is adapted to the shape and habit of the 

 flowers composing it, and what particular advantage each of the specimens 

 examined derives from the way its flowers are clustered. In cases of mixed 

 inflorescence, see if you can discover any reason for the change from one 

 form to the other. 



