CHAPTER X 



THE FORMS OF PLANTS 



127. Although the form of the branch, and to some 

 extent the entire plant, is determined by a struggle with 

 the conditions in which it grows, nevertheless each hind 

 of plant has its own peculiar habit of growth. The limi- 



ne. Different forma <>f trees. 



berman distinguishes the kinds of trees by their "looks," 

 rather than by their leaves or flowers, as the botanist 

 does. The farmer usually does the same with his culti- 

 vated plants. 



128. The habit of a plant is determined by its size, 

 general stylt or direction of growth, form 

 of head, and method of branching. The 

 genera] style or statnre of plants has 

 beeo mentioned in Chapter III they may 

 be erect, strict, creeping, decumbent, and 

 i he like. The shape of t he top or head 

 is well illustrated in trees. Note the 

 genera] effecl of the mass, as seen at a 

 distance. The elm is vase-form or 

 round-headed (Fig. !><;, which Is cited 

 again to teach another lesson, p. 223). So 



(59) 



;T. Bound headed and 

 I Igiate treee. 



