DESCRIPTION. 29 



much account of the seeds of grapes, but the student should find 

 them of much interest. 'No ddubt a careful study of the seeds 

 of different varieties would show them to possess considerable 

 taxonomic value. They differ chiefly as to form, size and num- 

 ber — qualities readily described. Some are notched at the blunt 

 end and in some varieties the small end is drawn out into a 

 healc. The ehalaza of the seed varies in size, shape and position 

 and the funicule is more or less prominent depending upon the 

 variety. The attention of the student is especially called to the 

 seeds of grapes as being well worth careful study. 



The Teee oe Plawt. — The tree or plant in manner of 

 growth, in the characters of shoots, foliage, buds, and flowers 

 are of vital importance in distinguishing the higher groups, 

 species, genera, etc., but are secondary to the fruit in character- 

 izing the horticultural groups. ^Nevertheless they are of con- 

 siderable importance and should always be carefully studied in 

 describing varieties. 



Mawwee of Geowth. — The manner of growth of trees, 

 bushes and vines often serves to identify a variety. Young 

 plants just coming into bearing serve the purpose best as fruit 

 bearing tends to destroy the natural habit of growth. The fol- 

 lowing terms are in common use in describing the growth of 

 trees : 



The growth is erect when the branches arise nearly perpen- 

 dicularly, as in the Bart\ett. pear. Pyramidal, having the form 

 of a pyramid, as in many pears. Ascending when the branches- 

 curve, upward, as in the Gravenstein apple. Diverging when 

 they leave the tree at an angle of about forty-five degrees, as the 

 Dominie apple. Spreading when parallel with the ground, as 

 in the Rhode Island Greening apple. Drooping when they 



