CHAPTER II. 



THE BUD. 



General definition Simple Bud of Cabbage, Lettuce, &c. General 

 structure Axis and leaves Section of bud Comparison with 

 plumule Winter buds Bud-scales Dissection of bud of Horse- 

 chestnut Transition of scales to leaves Compound bud of 

 Pine Bud of Spruce Fir Bud of Elm Plan-diagram of bud 

 Nature of bud-scales. 



A BUD is simply the end of a shoot-axis in a young, 

 and as yet short, or condensed, and undeveloped state, 

 surrounded by a series of young leaves, also awaiting 

 conditions which will bring about their growth and ex- 

 pansion. This is evident from examination of the primary 

 bud, or plumule, of the seedling, which we have seen to 

 be composed of the first young leaves (after the cotyledons) 

 of the primary shoot, wrapped one over the other and 

 enveloping the tip of the first shoot. 



If we look closely at a few examples of buds, it is 

 soon evident that differences in detail occur which dis- 

 tinguish them more or less obviously one from another ; 

 and even a casual observer notices that the buds of differ- 

 ent plants do differ considerably. 



One of the simplest examples we can select for dis- 

 section, owing to its large size, is a Lettuce, a Cabbage, 

 or a Brussels Sprout, in the condition usually met with 



