STRUCTURE AND TERMINOLOGY OF LEAVES. 31 
Peltate,* or shield-shaped : orbicular leaves, in which the 
petiole is attached to the under-surface instead of to the lower 
edge of the blade, as in Ranunculus Lyall (Pl. III., fig. 10). 
These probably represent deeply-cordate leaves in which the 
‘basal sinus is closed. 
In describing some forms of leaves it may be found that 
any one of the previous terms is not exactly suitable by 
itself, and then a combination of two terms may be used, as 
linear-oblong, linear-lanceolate, &c.; or an adverbial pre- 
fix may be employed, as broadly-elliptical. Practice and 
comparison of leaves with the examples figured will alone 
enable you accurately to describe the forms of leaves. 
There are many other terms besides those given which are 
employed by botanists, but those enumerated are most com- 
monly used. 
. 
* Lat. pelta, a target. 
