BUDS. 165 



to grow, gradually enlarge, and the shell divides, 

 to permit the young plant to make its escape. 



Buds, which are little conical green bodies found 

 on trees during winter and spring, are full of mat- 

 ter for wonder and admiration. There is not, 

 indeed, any object in nature that evinces more 

 design than a bud. On examining that oT the horse- 

 chestnut early in spring, it is found covered on the 

 outside by a gum-resinous varnish, which protects 

 the tender parts inside from wet and cold. 

 Beneath this is a strong and thick casing of leaves, 

 and enclosed within these is a complete plant in 

 miniature, consisting of a number of small downy 

 leaves, most curiously folded, and lying in the least 

 possible compass. 



Questions* 



What part of vegetables is called the root 1 

 What purposes do roots serve 7 ? 

 How is a plant nourished 1 

 Mention some of the coverings of seeds 1 

 What takes place after seeds have been sown some time 1 

 What is very wonderful about the root and sprout of seeds ? 

 Does the same thing take place where seeds are thrown 

 wrong side up 1 



What are buds, and what do they contain 1 



How is the bud of the horse-chestnut found in spring 1 



