EXERCISE XIX 



A STUDY OF BUDS (Amygdalus sp.) 



Material and apparatus. Branches of the several races of the 

 peach, bearing fruit buds and branch buds ; razor, dissecting lens. 



THE PEACH 



The peach is divided into five somewhat distinct races. The 

 characteristics which separate each race are more or less pro- 

 nounced. Each one includes a number of different varieties, some 

 of which are of commercial importance, while 

 others do not rank so high. A comparative 

 study of the buds and branches of each type 

 will aid in bringing out the differences. 



1. North China race. The North China 

 race {Amygdalus persica) includes the fol- 

 lowing varieties : Albert, Chinese Cling, 

 Elberta, Smock, Spottswood, Thurber, Ford, 

 Family Favorite, and others. The original 

 parent of this race is almost a dwarf. The 

 trees bloom later than the Persian types, and 

 the flowers are nearly always larger. The 

 foliage hangs on well during drought, but 

 sheds off early in the fall. This race is sup- 

 posed to have originated in northern China, 

 and is adapted to zones north of those 

 suited to the Spanish race. 



a. Secure branches from several varieties 

 of this race and make a drawing, natural 

 size, and four inches in length, showing both 

 the flower bud and the branch bud. How 

 are the buds arranged ? Describe. 



b. Select a fruit bud and a branch bud, 

 taking care that both are mature and per- 

 fect, and make a drawing, one inch in length, 



[60] 



FIG. 13. Fruit buds and 

 branch buds of the 



peach 

 Note the cluster of buds 



