38 



OBJECT LESSONS IN BOTANY. 



LESSON X. 



APPENDAGES, ETC. 



54. The tendril is a very common appendage. You have 

 seen it in the Grape-vine, the Pea- vine, the Greenbrier, &c 

 It is like a stout, green thread, reaching out its curved poin 

 like a linger, until it touches some object; then it quickly 

 entwines itself around it, and soon acquires a firm hold. We 

 do not find tendrils on any plants except such as, like vines, 

 are too weak to stand without support. 



Fig. 95. Leaf of Greenbrier, with tendrils in place of stipules. 

 Fig. 96. Leaf of Everlasting Pea, — tendrils at end of rachis. 

 Fig. 97. Leaf of Gloriosa, — apex ends in a tendril. 

 Fig. 98. Air-bladder of Horn-pondweed. 



55. But tendrils are quite various in habit. Those of the 

 Pea (Fig. 96) grow from the extremity of the rachis. Tliose 

 of the Greenbrier (Fig. 95), from the base of the leaf-stalk, in 

 the place of stipules ; those of the Grape (Fig. 000) are oppo- 

 site the leaves, in the place of clusters. 



h^Q. Many plants are armed with sharp thorns, spines, or 



54. What is the first appendage mentioned ? Please describe the form 

 and use of the tendril. 



55. State the habit of the tendril of the Pea • Greenbrier ; Grape-vine. 



