MICROSCOPIC OBJECTS. 14 



Fig. 27. Scales from Elaeagnus (Elseagnus argenteus), x 50. 



Scales of plants, which are chiefly found in those of the 

 natural orders Elseagnacese, Bromeliacese, &c., some of the 

 Rhododendra &c., are closely related in form to stellate hairs 

 (see fig. 29) . Like the hairs, they seem to be attached by 

 the centre to the leaf or stem on which they are growing. 

 By this peculiarity they may be distinguished from the 

 ramenta of Ferns, which are attached by the base (see fig. 26) . 

 Most of the scales of plants polarize highly, and they are 

 often of most beautiful stellate &c. forms. 



These scales are best mounted in balsam for the polari- 

 scope, and in liquid for other examinations. 



Fig. 28. Section of Leaf of Scented Geranium (Pelargonium 

 odoratissimum), showing the perfume-glands, hairs, &c., 

 x!20. 



The strongly scented Geraniums are particularly adapted 

 for the observation of the glandular hairs ; and in this case 

 most particularly so. 



These hairs are of a globular form at their extremities, the 

 globes containing a strong scent, varying in character in the 

 different species of plants from which they are taken. No 

 doubt it has often been perceived that Geranium-leaves &c. 

 yield a strong perfume when crushed ; this is caused by the 

 rupture of the globular scent- glands, or hairs. The other 

 hairs seen in the drawing are ordinary compound hairs, 

 composed of two or more cells. 



This object is best seen when mounted in liquid. 



