86 THE VEGETABLE WORLD. 
this case they are said to be alternate. In the Willow, the Nettle 
(Urtica), Fig. 112, on the contrary, the leaves are grouped in pairs 
all at the same height. These leaves are said to be opposite. In 
the Loose-strife (Lysimachia vulgaris), and the Rose Laurel, Fig. 
114, three leaves are grouped at the same height round the stem. 
In this case, as also in cases where many leaves are grouped i. 
the same manner, we say the leaves are verticillate. 
. \) 
Fig. 115.—The Barberry. Fig. 116.—Branch of the Elm. » 
What gives to plants their peculiar physiognomy and appeal 
ance, is, that the elements which constitute the verticillate feature 
correspond with the intervals which separate the pair or gToUP 
placed immediately above or below, and it may be added that the : 
elements of a similar pair or verticille are always equidistant. bs . 
return, however, to the alternate leaves. Let us take a branch 0 
the Peach or the Plum-tree, Fig. 117, and examine any leaf what- | 
ever. We shall find that higher up, the branch carries another P| 
leaf immediately above it, and that in the interval between these a 
