CHAPTER VII 



WINTER BUDS 



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

 the plant is forced into a period of inactivitj-. 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 ivinter hud 

 may be defined as a resting covered growing point. 



84. A dormant hnd, 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 bud.s 

 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 minia- 

 ture leaves. 



and 

 buds 



the 

 are 



