28 
the branches of Magnolias, Elms, and Lindens agree 
in having alternate buds with a slight scar beneath 
them; in these respects, a near simi¬ 
larity is at once seen to exist. But in 
the Magnolia and the Fig tree there is 
also found a narrow line drawn round 
the stem from one side of the scar till 
it reaches the other, giving rise to a 
peculiar ringed appearance. The rings 
are caused by a thin membrane, which 
was originally wrapped round the leaf 
when young, being there cast off, and 
thus producing the scars to which refer¬ 
ence has been made. These rings are 
among the most characteristic peculiari¬ 
ties of the plants in which they occur. 
Their origin should be studied in the 
Magnolia or Fig tree, by examining 
them in the young state’before the 
parts fall asunder, or are cast off by 
tiie plant in its advancing growth. 
64. If it is wished to see how far these principles 
are observed in practice by manufacturers, it is only 
necessary to look at some of the “ Swiss muslins” 
employed as window-curtains. (The pattern pro¬ 
duced was intended to represent something graceful 
and natural; but in reality the artist had achieved 
nothing more than the butt-end of a firelock, a form 
wholly unknown in nature, and embracing all the 
faults which the most fertile imagination could im¬ 
part to a work of art.) 
65. In leaves, objects so much more conspicuous than 
the stem, attracting attention so vividly, and having 
peculiarities so much more characteristic, the follow- 
