1896] SALIX CORDATA X SERICEA 395 
with broadly rounded apex and upper half black with sharp line 
of demarcation becomes narrower, oblong or obovate, with obtuse 
or acute apex dark to light brown, the line of demarcation less 
sharp and descending lower until it may be lost altogether. 
Other changes follow, or are coincident with the preceding. 
The decided brittleness of S. sericea changes to semi-brittleness, 
to be finally lost in the toughness of S. cordata. The leaves 
become thicker, more glaucous beneath, subglossy above, los- 
ing the dull dark green upper surface, the prominent primary 
veins beneath, and the regular looping near the margin. They 
become larger, often long narrow lanceolate and long acuminate, 
the base changing from acute to obtuse, to round, and finally to 
cordate. The equilateral form in some instances becomes ellip- 
tic, in others oblanceolate or obovate, but in any case gradually 
loses the equilateral character. 
From a total absence of stipules, or mere rudimentary pre: 
esses, the change is rapid towards large semiovate or semi- 
cordate sharply pointed or acuminate, then to mixed, and finally 
to obtuse reniform forms, nearly all more or less stalked, this 
last being a new character not existing in either parent. 
The bud of S. sericea is oblong, blunt, relatively short, notched 
ras the apex, very finely exhibited in bursting. While the shape 
is soon lost in numerous variable forms, a common one being 
long wedge acuminate, the notch, though lessening in distinct- 
ness, often becomes a valuable aid in determining hybrids. The 
adherent inner membrane of the buds of S. sericea detaches itself 
= hybrids spontaneously, as.in S. cordata, and is frequently car- 
fed as a cap on the apex of the ament. 
The red color of the anthers of S. sericea is transmitted to 
the well. marked hybrids, gradually changing, however, through 
brown or pale pink, into the yellow of S. cordata. The numerous 
Prominent circular lenticels of S. sericea are still abundant in the 
better hybrids, becoming more and more mixed with the oval 
see as we approach S. cordata. e saint 
se = ree the epidermis of one and two aes 4 
ongitudinally, a character well retained by hybris. 
