292 AUTUMNAL LEAVES. 



are finely and sharply serrated and the venation is 

 very symmetrical. From the mid-vein, which 

 traverses the centre of the leaf, branch veins 

 diverge, either in opposite pairs or in alternation 

 and run to the extreme points of the lobes. From 

 either side of these veins but chiefly from the 

 sides towards the leaf margins a few veinlets 

 are thrown off ; but these are not very prominent 

 and cannot be seen well unless the leaf be held 

 against the light, or its under side be closely 

 examined. The ramification of venules over the 

 rest of the surface of the tissue is very elaborate 

 and beautiful. 



In Autumn the fresh-green leafy surface 

 changes to a light golden brown, which is relieved 

 here and there by patches of brighter colour. 

 The colouring is subject to few striking variations, 

 but the handsome form of the leaf, under rich, 

 mellow shades of gold, and light, delicate brown 

 upon green that has not yet faded, presents an 

 appearance, in the earlier part of the season of 

 change, which contributes not a little to the love- 

 liness of autumnal foliage. 



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