CHAPTER XI 



THE FORMS OF PLANTS 



137. 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 kind 

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



111. Different 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 cultivated plants. 

 138. 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. 111.) So are maple, 

 beech, and apple trees. The Lombardy 

 poplar (Fig. 112) is columnar or fastigiate. 

 Young spruces and firs are conical. 

 (64) 



k 





112. Round-headed and 

 fastigiate trees. 



