II 



over a large area of cellular tissue that no distinct line or 

 point of coloration developed, as is true of buds which have 



become ripe. 



The albuminoids, therefore, like the starch, from their be- 

 havior in green and ripe twigs, become a test of maturity. 

 These complex compounds are the ones out of which proto- 

 plasm forms, and afterward renews its strength. They arc 

 the most important reserve materials in the sense that they 

 stand, in composition, nearest to that of protoplasm, which is 

 the acknowledijed vehicle of vital activities. It is not unnat- 



ural that these compounds, in a resting twig, should be stored 

 in the buds where they are to be needed the coming spring. 

 Starch may, therefore, be excluded from a well-equipped bud, 

 because other substances of greater consequence, and accumu- 

 lated in smaller quantities, arc conserv^ed at the points of 

 irrowth. In other words, there is a manifest tendencv for the 

 concentration of reserve materials at points where they are 

 to be used, and in the order named ; first the albuminoids, 

 and next the carbohydrates — first the basis of protoplasm, 

 and next the substance protoplasm must use in the building 

 up of new tissue, and in other vital processes. Following 

 upon this is the conclusion resulting from the investigations, 

 namely : that, other things remaining the same, the best-con- 

 ditioned twig is the one having a sufficient amount of reserve 

 material within easy reach, and in the best condition for the 

 use of the plant, A well-preserved bud is therefore plump 

 with reserve substance in a comj^^arativcly solid condition, 

 being firm but not woody; is well protected from the injuri- 

 ous effects of very sudden extreme changes of temperature, 

 and has close at hand a sufficient amount of starch, or other 

 carbohydrates, for its most advantageous development. 

 Whether one form of bud, as to its length, breadth and thick- 

 ness, color or number, and hairiness of scales, may be better 

 than another under any special condition, is a question more 

 likely to be determined by field trial than by laboratory tests. 

 Plants, seemingly equally hardy, may have the vital points 

 very differently constructed. No matter along what line the 

 problem has been worked out by the species, the chief point 

 is to prepare for hard times, and having once made the prepa- 



