CHAPTER VII 



WINTER BUDS 



83. WHAT BUDS ARE. Because of cold or dry weather, 

 the plant is forced into a period of inactivity. We have 

 seen that it stores food, and is ready to make a quick 

 start in the spring. It also makes embryo branches and 

 packs them away underneath close-fitting scales : these 

 branchlets and their coverings are winter buds. The 

 growing points of the plant are at rest for a time. In 

 the warm season, the growing point is active, and the 

 covering of scales is not so pronounced. A winter bud 

 may be defined as a resting covered growing point. 



84. A dormant bud, therefore, is a shortened axis or 

 branch, bearing miniature leaves or flowers, or both, and 

 protected by a covering. Cut in two, lengthwise, a bud of 

 the horse-chestnut or other plant which has large buds. 

 With a pin, separate the tiny leaves. Count them. Ex- 

 amine the big bud of the rhubarb 

 as it lies under the ground in winter 

 or early spring. Dissect large buds 

 of the apple and pear. Figs. 51, 52. 



85. The bud is protected by firm 

 and dry scales ; but these scales are 

 only modified leaves. The scales fit 

 close. Often the bud is protected 

 by varnish ( see horse - chestnut 

 balsam poplars). Most winter 

 more or less woolly. Examine 

 them under a lens. As we might expect, bud- coverings 

 are most prominent in cold and dry climates. 



(36) 



51. 



Bud of apri- 

 cot showing 



the iiiini.'i- 

 ture leaves. 



and the 

 buds are 



52. Bud of pear 

 showing both 

 leaves a n d 

 flowers. The 

 latter are the 

 little knobs in 

 the center. 



