THE WHITEBEAM. 



39 1 



A FLOWERING BRANCH. 



to three-quarters of an inch long, shining and smooth except where 

 dark rough dots on the surface make it feel rough to the touch. 



The styles are dark in colour and conspicuous : the stalk is green 

 tinged with red. 



THE LEAF. 



Late in the autumn the leaf-buds are about a quarter of an inch 

 long, pointed and covered with smooth green scales. By the end of 

 April the leaves have thrust their way out at the tips, and stand about 

 an inch high, the outer ones enfolding the inner. They are coated 

 with white felt, under which a tinge of pale green presently appears, 

 while the outer ring of leaves, without losing their spoon-shaped curve, 

 begin to lean away from the inner ; they are supported on stout white 

 petioles. The ribs on the under side show clearly, and the protecting 



