CHARACTERS OF THE LEAVES OF THE DATE PALM. 



27 



are stiffly erect or spreading in an angular manner by bending near 

 the base. The leaf bases are 5 to 8 inches broad, diminishing gradually 



Fig. 15.— Cross sections of the rachis of a Thoory date leaf, showing outlines at different distances from base 



to apex. 



to a broad, heavy rib, which tapers but slowly to the apex, where 

 there is a slight nexibilitv (fig. 15). 



