3 o THE GROWTH OF THE TREES. 



hollow on the inside in the shape of a tiny candle ex- 

 tinguisher; and this is so, simply because it is planned to fit 

 snugly over the leaf-bud that within it lies concealed. {Plate 

 V.) . Other buds are large and scaly : they are the ones most 

 general in northern climates. Those of the horse-chestnut 

 tree are very handsome. (Plate V.) Their scales are large 

 and leaf-like, and so enwrapped about the tender parts within 

 as to effectually protect them from violent changes of temper- 

 ature. To further abet them in this object they are lined with 

 a soft wool, and on the outside are often covered with a sub- 

 stance similar to varnish. It is quite impregnable to damp- 

 ness. To open one of these strong buds seems almost like 

 prying into futurity; for there in miniature are to be found 

 several pairs of leaves, and even the buds of the blossoms. 



Trees that are not subject to branching, or those of the 

 monocotyledonous division of endogens, rely for their growth 

 on terminal buds. Although branches are borne by the spruces, 

 still their terminal buds are also splendid examples of those 

 that, unless unfortunately destroyed, prolong the main stem 

 throughout the tree's whole course of existence. They ever 

 remain distinct from the branches that proceed from them, and 

 never lose their own identity. 



There are trees, however, that bear both terminal and axil- 

 lary buds : the maples and horse-chestnuts are common exam- 

 ples. (Plate V.) In such cases the terminal buds perform the 

 same elongation of the branch as they do in single-stemmed 

 trees, and the axillary buds are also true to their purpose of 

 producing new branches. Usually the terminal buds of these 

 trees are the most vigourous, and next to them the upper axillary 

 buds have the greatest strength. Should, however, misfortune 

 overtake any of these stronger buds, the opportunity would be 

 quickly seized by some weaker one to appropriate its nourish- 

 ment and to grow. In fact, latent buds lie dormant and some- 

 times concealed under the bark for years, and patiently await 

 just some such chance to begin their work. Their mission is 



