FRUIT AND LEAF BUDS 31 



May, but once in the arena it is surprising how 

 rapidly it outdoes all the efforts of its neigh- 

 bors. The large heart-shaped leaves are full 

 grown before the cream-colored, purple and 

 gold flecked flowers appear. 



On almost every kind of twig we note a few 

 very small buds, often no larger than a pin 

 head. These are called latent buds. They do 

 not open with the other buds. The tree holds 

 them in store for a very wonderful purpose. 

 Let us see if we can find out what it is. Sup- 

 pose we break off a twig just above one of these 

 buds on one branch, and on another let us clip 

 off all the large buds near. What happens? 

 The tiny buds begin very shortly to swell. 

 Soon they burst and put forth new growth, as 

 though seeking to repair the damage done. 

 That is their business. They are emergency 

 buds. They lie asleep until some accident calls 

 them into service, when they swing into the 

 breach with a vigor and energy truly surprising. 

 Often these little buds lie imbeidded in the bark. 

 A severe wind, or other destroying agent, 

 breaks off a big branch, and presto! the little 

 bud leaps to grow a new one. 



There is another class of buds called "ad- 

 ventitious" buds. The^e arise to meet the 

 urgent call of necessity. We see them most 



