VERNATION.— LEAF-BUD. 



37 



51. In early spring, before the leaves are expanded, we 

 find them folded up in the buds. This is called the verna- 

 tion of the leaves (from the Latin vernus, spring). In this 

 condition the young leaves are closely packed in many curi- 

 ous modes, which are described in the Class 

 Book, §§ 209-214. 



52. If we dissect and carefully examine a 

 swelling leaf-bud in early spring, we observe 

 in the midst of it a tender point of a growing 

 pith, bearing and covered by many circles of 

 little leaves and scales, packed as close as 

 possible. Fig. 94 shows a twig with two 

 buds as if split through the axis, exhibiting 

 the pith, growing point, young leaves, and 

 scales. 



53. According to this figure and the next 

 (94), buds are either terminal {t), situated at 

 the end of the stem or twig, or lateral (a), 

 situated on the side. But we must more care- 

 fully define the position of the lateral buds. Should we tell 

 you that they are aedllary, or located in the axil of a leaf, 

 you would not understand, until knowing that the axil of a 

 leaf is the upper angle between the leaf-stalk and the stem. 

 (See 5, Fig. 90.) Now, remember this rule, which you may 

 soon confirm by your own observation, that there is a lud at 

 the termination of every stem or branch, and in the axil of 

 every leaf. 



Fig. 93. A twig, 

 with two lateral 

 and one terminal 

 bud. 



Fig. 94. Same, 

 split through the 

 two buds. 



51. What is the meaning of the term vernation f 

 53. Give a careful definition of a leaf-bud. 

 53. What is a terminal bud 1 What an axillary ? 

 ways found ? 



Where are buds al- 



