STEMS 53 
over others, and the form of the tree is round-topped and 
spreading, deliquescent like that in Plate III. 
Most of the larger forest trees are intermediate between 
these extremes. 
Branches get their characteristics to a considerable 
degree from the relative importance of their terminal 
buds. If these are mainly flower-buds, as is the case in 
the horse-chestnut, the tree is characterized by frequent 
forking, and has no long horizontal branches. 
If the terminal bud keeps the lead of the lateral ones, 
but the latter are numerous and most of them grow into 
Fic. 26. Twigs and 
Branches of the 
Birch. 
slender twigs, the delicate spray of the elm and many 
birches is produced (Fig. 26). 
The general effect of the branching depends much upon 
the angle which each branch or twig forms with that one 
from which it springs. The angle may be quite acute, 
as in the birch, or more nearly a right angle, as in the 
ash (Fig. 24). 
It is these differences that help to give to leafless woods 
in winter their unending variety and beauty. 
