PRjEFOLIATION 



CHAPTER IX 



PRjEFOLIATION 



I. Freefoliation (called also vernation} refers to the man- 

 ner in which different leaves are packed away in the bud. 

 We may regard the scaly winter bud as a sort of trunk full 

 of foliage with which the branch or stem is to be clothed 

 next season. The ordinary vegetative and naked buds are 

 merely bundles of clothing. As is the case with garments 

 put away for future use, each leaf must be packed in with 

 the others so as to occupy as little space as possible. Con- 

 sequently each leaf is, in most cases, carefully folded or 

 rolled up in some particular way. A short study of the 

 different ways adopted by different plants is very instructive. 

 The botanist has a special term to indicate each particular 

 method. 



II. Examine the terminal bud of the Lilac (one which 

 is just unfolding will be best suited for the purpose). Re- 

 move the bud-scales and notice : 



1. That the leaves are not folded, but lie flat, one against 



another. 



2. The small size of these young leaves as compared with 



an adult leaf. 



3. Cut across the middle of such a bud and examine the 



cut surface with a lens. Make a sketch, showing 

 the way in which the leaves fit together. 

 \. These leaves are s\m\i\y plane. 



