10 OBJECT LESSONS IN BOTANY. 
pLape. The upper end of the blade is the apex, and the 
lower end is the dase. You see at once that the outline of 
this blade represents a certain form or figure, with an even 
margin, rounded, and broader at the ‘base than at the apex, 
like the figure of anegg. So it is called an egg-shaped leaf: 
or, to use a softer word, ovate. 
3. Now see how this blade is supported. At the base it is 
suddenly narrowed to a foot-stalk, which is properly called 
the prrrotr. You see that this part of the leaf is narrow and 
slender, and in this leaf terete, or cylindrical, in form. But in 
some kinds of leaves it is flattened. Remember its name,— 
petiole. 
4, Lastly, at the base of the petiole you notice a pair of 
little leaf-like bodies, one on this side and one on that. These 
we call the srrpuLzs. Stipules, then, are always in pairs, and 
placed at the base of the petiole. Their shape is quite 
various. 
5. Thus, when a leaf is complete, it consists of a blade, a 
petiole, and a pair of stipules. But you will not find every 
kind of leaf complete. Many sorts have no stipules at all. 
Can you find stipules on the leaves of the Lilac? Some 
leaves, moreover, have not even a petiole. See the leaves of 
Phlox. Such leaves are said to be sesszde, that is, sitting. 
1. What is the color of the leaf of the Quince bush? What is the color 
of leaves generally? Ans. Green, of lighter or darker shade. What of the 
outline of this leaf?—its upper surface? 
2. What is the blade ?—the apex ?—the base? What is the figure of the 
blade? 
3. How is the blade supported? Describe the foot-stalk. Tell its real 
name. 
4. Describe the stipules. 
5. Now state the three parts of a complete leaf. Do all kinds of leaves 
have stipules? Do the leaves of the Lilac?—of St. Johnswort, &c. ?—of the 
