II. GYMNOSPERMS. 



VEGETATIVE ORGANS. 



EXTERNAL CHARACTERS. 



Take a branch of Pinus Sylvestris, cut in autumn, 

 and which includes at least four years' growth. 



N.B. The limits of each year's growth may be recognised 

 externally as those points where (false) whorls of strong lateral 

 axes are developed ; and the portion of stem lying between two 

 such whorls may be considered roughly as representing one year's 

 growth. 



I. Consider first the growth of the year in which the 

 branch was cut, i.e. the part above the youngest whorl 

 of lateral axes. At its apex is a large Bud, surrounded 

 by a variable number of smaller Lateral buds. 



From a bud, which has been treated with alcohol to 

 remove the resin which covers it, detach some of the 

 brown Scale-leaves, which cover it externally. 

 Note 



1. The succulent base of these scales. 



2. Buds in their axils. 



Compare these winter buds with some of the same which have 

 been cut in late spring. The brown scale-leaves will be found to 

 have fallen off, leaving their succulent bases still persistent ; in 



