24 GROWTH OF PLANTS FKOM BtlDS. [LESSON . 



there are two borne on the same joint of stem, as in the Horse- 

 chestnut, Maple (Fig. 7), Honeysuckle (Fig. 132), Lilac, &c.; the 

 two leaves in such cases being always opposite each other that is, 

 on exactly opposite sides of the stem. Here of course the buds 

 in their axils are opposite, as we observe in Fig. 48, where the 

 leaves have fallen, but their place is shown by the scars. And the 

 branches into which the buds grow are likewise opposite each other 



in pairs. . . 



49. Leaves are alternate when there is only one from each joint of 

 stem, as in the Oak (Fig. 22), Lime-tree, Poplar, Buttonwood (Fig. 

 50), Morning-Glory (Fig. 8),— not counting the seed-leaves, which of 

 course are opposite, there being a pair of them ; also in Indian Corn 

 (Fig. 42), and Iris (Fig. 44). Consequently the axillary buds are 

 also alternate, as in Hickory (Fig. 49) ; and the branches they 

 form alternate, — making a different kind of spray from the other 

 mode, — one branch shooting on the one side of the stem and the 

 next on some other. For in the alternate arrangement no leaf is 

 on the same side of the stem as the one next above or next 

 below it. 



50. Branches, therefore, are arranged with symmetry ; and the 

 mode of branching of the whole tree may be foretold by a glance at 

 the arrangement of the leaves on the seedling or stem of the first 

 year. This arrangement of the branches according to that of the 

 leaves is always plainly to be recognized ; but the symmetry of 

 branches is rarely complete. This is owing to several causes ; 

 mainly to one, viz. : — 



51. It never happens that all the bud? grow. If they did, there 

 would be as many branches in any year as there were leaves the 

 year before. And of those which do begin to grow, a large portion 

 perish, sooner or later, for want of nourishment or for want of light. 

 Those which first begin to grow have an advantage, which they are 

 apt to keep, taking to themselves the nourishment of the stem, and 

 starving the weaker buds. 



52. In the Horsechestnut (Fig. 48), Hickory (Fig. 49), Mag- 

 nolia, and most other trees with large scaly buds, the terminal bud 

 is the strongest, and has the advantage in growth, and next in 

 strength are the upper axillary buds: while the former continues 

 the shoot of the last year, some of the latter give rise to branches 

 while the rest fail to grow. In the Lilac also, the upper axillary 

 buds are stronger than the lower; but the terminal bud rarely 



