LJ8E8 <F LKAVES. 85 



<>t the next older leaf to that which is enclosed 

 in the bud- -inside which all the young parts 

 are packed away. Notice how the hud grad- 

 ually opens, and how, as soon as their work of 

 protecting the young leaves is done, the stipules 

 drop oft'. Examine also the buds of the hibis- 

 cus, and note in particular how the stipules, 

 which look so small compared with an old leaf, 

 are really able to help protect the leaves whilst 

 young and small. 



3. Examine shoots of mahogany (or other 

 tree with a resting period in its growth) pre- 

 ferably just when coming into growth after 

 the dry season. Some of the stems will already 

 have new leaves, but all stages should lie look- 

 ed for, do\vn to still unopened, terminal buds. 

 A comparison of the various stages w r ill show 

 that the young leaves in the bud are protected 

 by a number of dry, brown scales, which are 

 burst aside when the bud opens. These scaly 

 bodies are really special leaves which are very 

 small, have no green blade, and whose sole use 

 is to protect the young organs during the dry 

 resting-season. 



4. Examine again the underground stems 

 of ginger, arrowroot, artichoke and potato, 

 and observe the thin, dry scale-leaves. Note 



