tral branch. Sometimes two buds devel- between the rings is that of the past 



op at the end of a branch, as in the case spring and summer, so that by counting 



of the Hlac, and then a continual forking the rings one can get some idea of the 



results. age of the branch. If we keep in mind 



Just as all seedlings do not live or that the leaf bud is a miniature branch 



seeds develop, so all buds do not survive. a short stem that bears a pair or several 



In spite of protective measure taken, pairs of leaves so close together that they 



various enemies attack the buds ; the almost spring from the same point, we 



weather kills many, insects destroy oth- can easier understand its growth as it 



ers, and the struggle for supremacy goes tmfolds. When the bud opens, the short 



on among them as it does among all plant stem lengthens, the leaves thus become 



and animal neighbors. For there is often farther apart and are ready to expand, 



insufficient food for all, stored up in the The growth is usually rapid, and is often 



branch, or one bud will get an earlier complete in several weeks. Afterwards 



start than the other, and so have the ad- the tree begins to form the bud for the 



vantage. One can readily see how the following year. 



symmetry of a tree can be lost and why Winter buds are protected from the 



there is such variety of branching. The weather by the strong, brown scales 



beautiful weeping effects of birches and which enclose them, and often by a coat 



willows, the delicate traceries of elm of varnish which keeps out the water, 



twigs, and the stately appearance of pine If v;e carefully take off the scales, we 



trees and palms are all the result of the can notice, if the bud is from an elm, the 



position of buds on the stem and their glue in which the scales are bathed and 



success in development. the strong aromatic odor ; probably lui- 



It is better to choose for observation welcome insects are thus kept away. In 



large buds, those of the elm or of the the horse-chestnut the young leaves are 



horse-chestnut. The large scars on the enveloped in a woolly coat which keeps 



stem are made by the old leaves. The the buds warm as well as protects them 



buds are borne just above the scars, that from water. Many young leaves are cov- 



is, in the axils of the leaves. The rings ered with down that usually wears off 



that appear at intervals on the stem are as the leaves mature, 

 made by the bud scales. The growth in ' Mary Lee Van Hook. 



GREEN LEAVES 



After the whiteness of the wintry days 



Of the ice-locked nights and the frosty haze, 



As Nature revives from her frozen sleep, 



Warmed by the sun rays, — the rivulets leap 



Unfettered and free, and the south winds sing 



In the wondering woods, where the feet of Spring, 



Noiselessly tiptoes and dances along ; 



After the cold comes the laughter and song. 



For the heart beats fast as the sky turns blue, 



And we feel the gladness of life run through 



Our sluggish veins with a swifter flight, 



And our heart goes out to the mountain height 



Where the trees are donning their green attire, 



And the maples glow^ with a living fire. 



After the ice and the snow and the cold, 



How the pulses bound as the eyes behold 



The Green Leaves flutter and thrill in the breeze, 



From the slender tips of the laughing trees ! 



— Charles F. Fudge. 



116 



