in the anatomy of plants, a kind of large bud, generally produced under the ground, upon or near the root of certain herbaceous plants, hence denominated bulbous.

A bulb is defined by Linnæus to be a species of hybernaculum, produced upon the declining caudex or root; consisting of stipulae, petioli, the rudiments of the former leaves, and scales or bark.

To elucidate this definition, it is proper to remark, that every bud contains, in miniature or embryo, a plant, in every respect similar to the parent plant upon which it is seated. Plants therefore are perpetuated in the buds, as well as in the seeds; and the species may be renewed with equal efficacy in either way.

The tender rudiments of the future vegetable of which the bud is composed, are inclosed, and during the severities of winter defended from cold and other external injuries, by a hard bark or rind which generally consists of a number of scales placed over each other like tiles, and fastened together by means of a tenacious, teninous, and frequently odoriferous, substance. Thus defended, the buds remain upon different parts of the mother plant, till the ensuing spring; and are, therefore, with great propriety, denominated by Linnæus the hybernaculum or winter-quarters of the future vegetable.

With respect to their place, buds are situated either upon the stem and branches, or upon the roots: the former are styled gemmae, or buds properly so called; but as they subsist several years by their roots, may be furnished