Note f — BOOK X.

Concerning the Leaves, I shall note only two or three Things. 1. As to the Fibres of the Leaf, they stand not in the Stalk, in an even Line, but always in an Angular, or Circular Posture, and their vascular Fibres or Threads, are 3, 5, or 7. The Reason of their Position thus, is for the more erect Growth and greater Strength of the Leaf, as also for the Security of its Sap. Of all which see, Dr. Grew, L. 1. c. 4. §. 8. &c. and L. 4. Par. 1. c. 3. also Tab. 4. Fig. 2. to 11. Another Observable in the Fibres of the Leaf, is their orderly Position, so as to take in an eighth Part of a Circle, as in Mallows; in some a tenth, but in most a twelfth, as in Holy-Oak; or a sixth, as in Sirynga. Id. ib. Tab. 46, 47.

2. The Art in Folding up the Leaves before their Eruption out of their Gems, &c. is incomparable, both for its Elegancy and Security, viz. In taking up (so as their Forms will bear) the least room; and in being so conveniently couched as to be capable of receiving Protection from other Parts, or of giving it to one another, e.g. First, there is the Bow-lap, where the Leaves are all laid somewhat convexly one over another, but not plaited——but where the Leaves are not so thick set, as to stand in the Bow-lap, there we have the Plicature, or the Flat-lap; as in Rose-tree, &c. And so that curious Observer goes on shewing the various Foldings, to which he gives the Names of the Duplicature, Multiplicature, the Fore-rowl, Back-rowl, and Tre-rowl, or Treble-rowl. Grew. ib. L. 1. c. 4. §. 14, &c. To these he adds some others, L. 4. P. 1. c. 1. §. 9. Consult also Malpig. de Gemmis, p. 22. &c.

To these curious Foldings, we may add another noble Guard by the Interposition of Films, &c. of which Dr. Grew saith, there are about six Ways, viz. Leaves, Surfoyls, Ingerfoyls, Stalks, Hoods, and Mantlings. Grew. ib. and Tab. 41, 42. Malpig. ibid.