On the reproduction of buds. By Thomas Andrew Knight, Esq. F. R. S. In a letter to the Right Hon. Sir Joseph Banks, K. B. P. R. S

Abstract Mr. Knight begins his paper by stating, that every tree, in the usual course of its growth, generates the buds that expand in the succeeding spring; but if these buds are destroyed, during the winter or early part of the spring, other buds are in many species generated; which buds perform the office of those that previously existed, except that they never afford blossoms or fruit. This reproduction of buds has not escaped the notice of naturalists; but it does not appear that they have ascertained from which of the various substances of the tree the reproduced buds derived their origin. After noticing some erroneous opinions respecting the origin of buds, Mr. Knight proceeds to relate some observations and experiments made by him on this subject. If the fruit-stalks of the Sea Cale (Crambe maritima) are cut off in the spring, the medullary substance decays, and a cup is formed, the sides of which consist of a woody substance, perfectly similar to the alburnum of trees. From the interior part of this substance, new buds are frequently generated in the ensuing spring: hence it is obvious, that the buds, in this case, do not spring from the bark; but it is not equally evident that they do not spring from some remains of the medulla.