Fig. 222. What came out of a pear bud.
Observe a pear bud. Notice that the scales elongate as the bud swells. You can see the white bases of the scales, marking the new growth ([Fig. 221]). If it is a leaf-bud the scales may become three-fourths of an inch long before they fall. But sooner or later, they are cast, and their places are marked by scars. If it is a flower-bud, notice that several flowers come out of it. In the apricot and peach, there is only one flower in each bud. Each of these little pear flowers is closed up like a bud and elevates itself on a stalk before it opens: and this stalk becomes the stem of the pear fruit. But this pear flower-bud contains leaves as well as flowers. [Fig. 222] shows what comes out of a pear bud. This, then, is a mixed flower-bud,—it contains both leaves and flowers. The apricot and the peach bear true or simple flower-buds.
Fig. 223. Opening of an apple bud.
Watch apple buds. The scales do not elongate as in the pear, but the flower-buds are mixed. [Fig. 223] shows the expanding cluster from an apple flower-bud. Four flowers will open; and there are six leaves. If the buds are made to open in the house on severed twigs, the leaves do not grow so large before the flowers expand, for the twig does not contain sufficient food. [Fig. 224] is a photograph of an apple twig which I had in my window one winter's day.
Fig. 224. Apple flowers in midwinter.