198 



CASSELL'S POPULAU GARDENING. 



each shoot — is usually larger and better developed 

 than 1 he rest, and very generally it expands before the 

 side buds in spring (as shown in the case of the Ash, 

 Fig. 18). This earlier expansion is generally attri- 

 buted to a fuller supply of " sap," which, as it 

 is said, rushes more freely in a direct line to the 

 terminal bud than it does to the side ones which 

 it reaches obliquely. But, as has been shown, the 

 buds begin to expand before there is any such rush 

 of so-called sap as is here assumed, and the real ex- 

 planation is probably to be sought in the earher pro- 

 duction, larger size, and usually more favourable 

 position of the terminal bud as regards exposure to 

 solar influence. A curious 

 illustration of this is 

 afforded by various Coni- 

 fers. Take for example 

 Abies Nordmatmiana. Here 

 the leader shoot consists of 

 a cluster of buds, a central 

 one surrounded by a ring 

 of side buds. On the gar- 

 dener's hypothesis the cen- 

 tral one, from its erect 

 position, ought to start first. 

 But it is not so ; the side 

 buds are in this case placed 

 nearly horizontally, and 

 start first into growth, 

 stimulated thereto proba- 

 bly by the greater amount 

 of sun-heat impinging on 

 them more directly than 

 on the erect terminal bud. 

 That light of itself is not 

 the main agent in stimu- 

 lating bud-growth is ob 

 vious from a variety of 



considerations, some of which will receive atten- 

 tion further on. At any rate, the universal expe- 

 rience of those who have to "force" plants is that 

 heat is the essential agent in starting bud-growth. 



Another reason for the earlier development of 

 certain buds than others, and one also illustrating 

 the comparative independence of indi^adual buds, is 

 to be sought not in any supposed greater rush of sap 

 in any particular direction, but in the presence of 

 larger or more readily available supplies in one 

 place than another. Some Pear-trees under observa- 

 tion in early spring, had some of their branches as 

 usual contracted and thick, others thin and long. The^ 

 former are what gardeners call " spurs," and it is 

 on them that the flowers, and ultimately the fruit, 

 are specially developed. The other thinner branches 

 are the result of the " extension shoots," which bear 

 mostly leaves only, and whose office it is more parti- 



Fig. 24.— Bud of Eed Currant, showing leaves and in 

 tloresceuce spiingiug from the same bud. 



cularly to form the framework of the tree. The 

 "spurs "have relatively much less wood in them, 

 but are laden with food to a much larger extent 

 than the " extension shoots," as might naturally be 

 expected from the work they have to do. In the 

 case before us, however, the "spurs " did not all bear 

 flowers, but some of them leaves only, and these 

 leaves, at the time of writing, were fully expanded, 

 while those on the "extension shoots," where the 

 available nutriment was less abundant, were still at 

 rest, or at most only slightly unfolded. The earlier 

 expansion of some buds is then due partly to their 

 age, position, and direction, insuring earlier and 

 fuller exposure to favour- 

 able conditions, and partly 

 to superior advantages in 

 the way of obtaining food. 



Varieties of Bud. — 



Having glanced at the 

 general character and work 

 of the buds, we may now 

 enter a little more fully 

 into detail as to their 

 varieties. Full particulars 

 must be sought in botanical 

 text-books, and still better 

 by a careful examination 

 of the buds of all plants 

 that come under observa- 

 tion. In particular, the 

 conformation and arrange- 

 ment of the bud may 

 be recommended to young 

 gardeners as not only easy 

 of observation, but of 

 primary importance to 

 them in such practical 

 matters as pruning and training, the development of 

 flowers, or the growth of wood. The disposition and 

 structm-e of the bud of the plants they have to 

 cultivate should form one of their first studies ; and 

 as a guide to practice they will find it necessary 

 to revert to it again and again. This may be under- 

 stood from the circumstance that the arrangement of 

 the flowers, the shape of the tree or plant, and the 

 disposition of its branches, all depend upon the 

 nature, arrangement, and mode of growth of the 

 buds. In this place we can only deal with certain 

 generalities, such as the distinction between leaf- 

 buds, or wood-buds, as gardeners call them, and flower- 

 buds. Usually, the leaf-buds are more elongated 

 and sharply pointed than the flower-buds, which are 

 rounded, or egg-shaped. Moreover, they frequently 

 occupy a different position. It must, however, be 

 remembered that in very many cases, as in the Pear, 



