92 ESSENTIALS OF BOTANY 
“spurs” as are shown in Fig. 52 are of little use in the 
permanent growth of the tree, and poplars, elms, soft 
maples, and other trees shed the 
oldest of these every year. 
What- 
ever the amount of this growth, it 
is but the lengthening out and 
development of the bud, 
which may be regarded as 
an undeveloped stem or 
branch, with its internodes 
so shortened that succes- 
sive leaves seem almost to 
Fic. 54. A Slowly Grown 
Twig of Cherry, Three 
Inches Long and about 
Ten Years Old. 
The pointed bud, J, is a leaf- 
bud; the more obtuse 
accessory buds, /, f, are 
flower-buds. 
spring from the same point. 
In Figs. 52, 53 the com- 
plete history of a fruit-spur 
of the pear is shown, from 
the leaf-bud which pro- 
duced it to the pear which 
it bears. 
Fie. 55. 
B, a twig of European elm; A, a longi- 
tudinal section of the buds of B (con- 
siderably magnified). az, the axis of 
the bud which will elongate into a 
shoot; sc, leaf-scars. 
110. Vernation.— Procure a considerable number of buds which 
are just about to burst and others which have begun to open. 
Cut 
each across with a razor or very sharp scalpel; examine first with 
