80 MULTIPLICATION BY LEAVES. 



the winter, although languidly ; they are constantly attracting 

 sap from the earth through the spongelets, and are, therefore, 

 in a state of slow but continual winter growth. It usually 

 happens that the perspiratory organs of these plants are less 

 active than in deciduous species. 



In general, a leaf is an organ of digestion and respiration, 

 and nothing more ; some leaves have, however, the power of 

 forming leaf-buds, if placed in or upon the earth, under suitable 

 circumstances. 



The BryophyUum oalyomimi forms buds at the indentations of its 

 margin ; Malaxis palndosa throws off young buds from its edge ; 

 Tellima grandiflora oooasionally buds at the margins of its leaves ; the 

 same thing happens to many Ferns ; the five leaflets of a pinnated 

 Eose-leaf yield, under proper culture, five little plants ; Cape Omitho- 

 galums often produce bulbs from the edge of their leaves ; the same 

 fact has been observed by Mr. Rogers on the broken edge of a 

 Laehenalia leaf; and numerous similar instances might be quoted. 



