172 Second Conference 



4. We should point out the relation of bud 



arrangement to branching, and of the 

 branching to the ultimate form of the tree. 



5. The leaf-scars should be examined. Note their 



relative position, shape, &c. 



6. Note the bud scale-rings, and from these deter- 



mine the age of the twig. 



7. There may also be the scars of last year 



flower-clusters in the forking of the twigs in 

 such trees as the maple, &c. 



{e) Leaves. — When we have finished with the twig 

 we can go on to the leaves. This, of course, 

 will be some time later on. 



1. The time of their appearance should be noted. 



Eai'ly — Birch, maple, larch, &c. 

 Medium — Beech, lime, &c. 

 Late — Oak, ash, elm, &c. 



2. Let us compare the colour of the leaves as they 



issue out of the bud with that which they 

 assume later on. We find that various shades 

 of ruddy-broivn (maple, poplar, ash, &c.) and 

 light -green (beech, lime, spruce) become 

 changed under the influence of sunlight into 

 a uniform emerald or dark-green. 



3. We should examine their surfaces and note 



their texture, and see whether they are — 

 rough or smooth, 

 glossy or dull, 

 symmetrical or one-sided, 

 divided or entire, 



with teeth round the margin or without 

 them. 



