STEMS 



63 



over others, and the form of the tree is round-topped and 

 spreading, deliquescent like that in Fig. 235. 



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 





Fig. 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. 



