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 lind 

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



96. Diflferent forms of 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 style or direction of growth, form 

 of head, and method of branching. The 

 general style or stature of plants has 

 been mentioned in Chapter III — they may 

 be erect, strict, creeping, decumbent, and 

 the like. The shape of the top or head 

 is well illustrated in trees. Note the 

 general effect of the mass, as seen at a 

 distance. The elm is vase-form or 

 round-headed (Fig. 96, which is cited 

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



(59). 



07. Round-headed and 

 fastlgiate trees, 



