Evergreen leaves differ greatly in length of life. Some remain on the tree for several years; for instance, in the Scotch Fir, three or four years; the Spruce and Silver Fir, six, seven, or even eight; the Yew, eight; Abies Pinsapo, sixteen or seventeen; Araucaria, even longer. It is true that during the later years they gradually dry and wither; still, being so long-lived, they naturally require special protection. They are, as a general rule, tough, and even leathery.

Thus, then, I have endeavoured to answer Vaucher's question to explain, at any rate, in some cases the presence, the uses, and the forms of stipules, and the structure of buds in some of our common trees, shrubs, and herbs.

If I shall have induced any of my readers to look at them for themselves in the coming spring they will, I am sure, be amply rewarded.

They will often be reminded of Tennyson's profound remark about Nature:

So careless of the single life,

So careful of the type she seems,

and will be more and more struck with wonder and admiration at the variety and beauty of the provisions by which Nature preserves these tender and precious buds from the severity of winter, and prepares with loving care and rich profusion for the bright promise of spring and the glorious pageant of summer.