/# The nomenclature of the leaf consists, in botanical books, of little more than barbarous, and, for the general reader, totally useless attempts to describe their forms in Latin. But their forms are infinite and indescribable except by the pencil. I will give central types of form in the next volume of Proserpina; which, so that the reader sees and remembers, he may _call_ anything he likes. But it is necessary that names should be assigned to certain classes of leaves which are essentially different from each other in character and tissue, not merely in form. Of these the two main divisions have been already given: but I will now add the less important ones which yet require distinct names. #/ I. APOLLINE.--Typically represented by the laurel 51 II. ARETHUSAN.--Represented by the alisma 52 /# It ought to have been noticed that the character of serration, within reserved limits, is essential to an Apolline leaf, and absolutely refused by an Arethusan one. #/ III. DRYAD.--Of the ordinary leaf tissue, neither manifestly strong, nor admirably tender, but serviceably consistent, which we find generally to be the substance of the leaves of forest trees. Typically represented by those of the oak. IV. ABIETINE.--Shaft or sword-shape, as the leaves of firs and pines. V. CRESSIC.--Delicate and light, with smooth tissue, as the leaves of cresses, and clover. {245} VI. SALVIAN.--Soft and woolly, like miniature blankets, easily folded, as the leaves of sage. VII. CAULINE.--Softly succulent, with thick central ribs, as of the cabbage. VIII. ALOEINE.--Inflexibly succulent, as of the aloe or houseleek. /# No rigid application of these terms must ever be attempted; but they direct the attention to important general conditions, and will often be found to save time and trouble in description. #/ IV. THE FLOWER. Its general nature and function 65 Consists essentially of Corolla and Treasury 78 Has in perfect form the following parts:-- I. THE TORUS.--Not yet enough described in the text. It is the expansion of the extremity of the flower-stalk, in preparation for the support of the expanding flower 66, 224 II. THE INVOLUCRUM.--Any kind of wrapping or propping condition of leafage at the base of a flower may properly come under this head; but the manner of prop or protection differs in different kinds, and I will not at present give generic names to these peculiar forms. {246} III. THE CALYX (The Hiding-place).--The outer whorl of leaves, under the protection of which the real flower is brought to maturity. Its separate leaves are called SEPALS 80