30 
of the leaf-stalk, which are characteristic of particular 
races of plants. Such bodies (called stipules) in some 
cases remain, in others fall off early; 
and always have a definite figure. For 
example, take a Geranium ( Pelargonium ), 
a favourite subject with artists. At the 
base of each of its leaves there is a very 
small green scale on either side; so that 
a drawing purporting to be that of a 
geranium, would not be correct without 
these scales, because they are indispen- 
pelakgonium. sable to the species, as an essential part 
of its structure. All Geraniums have them, and 
nothing can be allowed to be a representation of 
that plant from which they are absent. 
69. With regard to the mode of arrangement of 
leaves, it is sufficient to say that some are placed 
opposite others; and, some 
one above the other, on 
opposite sides of the stem. 
Those plants which have 
their leaves opposite, 
always have them opposite; 
and those which have their 
leaves alternate, always 
have them alternate. This 
is not a matter in which 
decussate pimelea. the artist can exercise his 
caprice; no exigencies of art can justify a departure 
from this truth, supposing always that it is con¬ 
sidered necessary in an artistical point of view to 
adhere to the truth. Again, leaves, if they are 
opposite, generally cross each other; that is to say, 
if we look at the stem from above, the eye rests 
upon two pairs crossing each other at right angles. 
