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Handbook of Nature-Study 



advantage of by another gall-gnat which breeds there in large numbers. 

 It is well to gather these cones in winter ; examine one by cutting it open 

 to find the larva, and place others in a fruit jar with a cover so as to see the 

 little flies when they shall issue in the spring. (See p. 362). For supple- 

 mentary reading see "Outdoor Studies," page 24. 



There is another interesting winter tenant of willow leaves, but it is 

 rather difficult to find. On the lower branches may be discovered, during 

 winter and spring, leaves rolled lengthwise and fastened, making elongated 

 cups. Each little cup is very full of a caterpillar which just fits it, the cater- 

 pillar's head forming the plug of the opening. This is the partially grown 

 larva of the viceroy butterfly. It eats off the tip of the leaf each side of the 

 midrib for about half its length, fastens the petiole fast to the twig with silk, 

 then rolls the base of the leaf into a cup, lines it with silk and backs into it, 

 thereto remain until fresh leaves on the willow in spring afford it new food. 



"My willow-tent." 

 Photo by W. C. Baker. 



LESSON CXCVI 

 THE WILLOWS 



Leading thought The willows have their pollen-bearing flowers and 

 their seed-bearing flowers on separate trees ; the bees carry the pollen from 

 one to the other. The willow pussies are the pollen-bearing flowers. 



Method As early in March as is practicable, have the pupils gather 

 twigs of as many different kinds of willows as can be found ; these should 

 be put in jars of water and placed in a warm, sunny window. The catkins 

 will soon begin to push out from the bud-scales, and the whole process, 

 of flowering may be watched. 



