10 OBJECT LESSONS IN BOTANY. 



BLADE. The upper end of tlie blade is the aj^ex^ and the 

 lower end is the hase. Yon see at once that the outline of 

 this blade represents a certain form or figure, with an even 

 margin, rounded, and broader at the base than at the apex, 

 like the figure of an ^gg. So it is called an egg-shaped leaf: 

 or, to use a softer word, ovate. 



3. ISTow see how this blade is supported. At the base it is 

 suddenly narrowed to a foot-stalk, which is properly called 

 the PETIOLE. You see that this part of the leaf is narrow and 

 slender, and in this leaf terete^ or cylindrical^ in form. But in 

 some kinds of leaves it is flattened. Remember its name, — 

 petiole. 



4. Lastly, at the base of the petiole you notice a pair of 

 little leaf-like bodies, one on this side and one on that. These 

 we call the stipules. Stipules, then, are always in pairs, and 

 placed at the base of the petiole. Their shape is quite 

 various. 



5. Thus, when a leaf is complete, it consists of a blade, a 

 petiole, and a pair of stipules. But you will not find every 

 kind of leaf complete. Many sorts have no stipules at all. 

 Can you find stipules on the leaves of the Lilac? Some 

 leaves, moreover, have not even a petiole. See the leaves of 

 Phlox. Such leaves are said to be sessile^ that is, sitting. 



1. What is the color of the leaf cf the Quince bush ? What is the color 

 of leaves generally ? Ans. Green, of lighter or darker shade. What of the 

 outline of this leaf? — its upper surface? 



2. What is the Uade f — the apex ? — the base ? What is the figure of the 

 blade? 



8. How is the blade supported? Describe the foot-stalk. Tell its real 

 name. 



4. Describe the stipules. 



5. NoHv state the three parts of a complete leaf. Do all kinds of leaves 

 have stipules ? Do the leaves of the Lilac? — of St. Johnswort, &:c. ? — of the 



