THE PLANT AND THE SEASONS 19 



light and air above, when by some means, of 

 which we can form little idea, the plant is aware 

 that the spring has arrived. There seems to be 

 something more in the phenomenon than can be 

 explained as mere mechanical cause and effect. 

 Indeed, the sympathy of the plant with the 

 seasons is surely one of those mysteries which 

 are as inscrutable as life itself. 



The spring is perhaps the most trying time 

 of the whole year for the plant. Often enough 

 the first few fine days which have given promise 

 of coming summer are followed by rigorous con- 

 ditions which would more properly belong to the 

 depths of winter. Yet it is very rarely that any 

 serious damage results to the young foliage, even 

 if the dainty leaves have already left the pro- 

 tection of the bud cases. To examine the expand- 

 ing shoots of the Horse Chestnut, is to find that 

 each leaf is clothed with a downy substance which 

 forms a perfect protection against cold. 



In the case of a large number of plants the 

 foliage is not expanded until it is in an advanced 

 stage ; leaves rolled up or folded together are 

 more likely to escape damage than those which 

 are open. Another curious phase in the early 

 development of the leaf is connected with the 

 colouring of the tissue. Very young foliage is 



