FOR FORMS AMD QUALITIES. 47 



VIII. T]ic Manner hi ivh'ich an Organ is Terminated. 



55. 



We here attend to the apex of an organ. The termination 

 of an organ, as we formerly remarked (28.), is called its 

 apex (ope^r, seldom vertex). This is obtuse (obtusics), or 

 rounded (rotundatus) (29.), when it approaches, more or 

 less, to the round form. We also say, respecting solid 

 bodies, that they are thiclcened at the summit {apice incrassa- 

 tiis). To this belongs partly the club-form, (31.) 



It is truncated (truncates), when it seems to form a 

 straight cross-line. It is bitten (pramorsti^^), when a curved 

 line seems to cross it. 



It is retuse (retusus), when a slight curvature i;^ obser- 

 vable in the middle of the obtuse apex. When a sharp re- 

 markable curvature passes inwai'ds on the obtuse apex, it is 

 said to be emarginated {emarginatus). 



A slight degree of obtuseness is expressed by ohtusiuscula ; 

 and the reverse of a sharp, or hairy apex, is called unarmed 

 {muticus). 



- 56. 



The pointed character is called generally acutus^ the slight- 

 er degree acutiusculus. Aeuminatus., again, denotes a long 

 projecting, highly-tapering apex. When this runs out gra- 

 dually into an apparently fine spine, it is called cuspidatus. 



When the apex is somewhat obtuse, and a gentle tapering 

 suddenly takes place at the extremity, it is said to be ap'icu- 

 latus. Mucronatiis., again, denotes a rounded apex, with a 

 herbaceous spine standing on it. 



When the long projecting apex is placed somewhat ob- 

 liquely, it is said to be rostratus, rostellatus^ which frequently 

 appears in the covers of the capsules of mosses. 



The apex is also said to be bearded {arlstatus), when a 

 long projecting bristle terminates it. The aK'l-shaped apex 

 (apex subulati(s), is easily luidcrstood, from wliat uas said 



