784 Handbook oj Nature-S udi/ 



Apple blossoms. 

 Photo by Verne Morton. 



LESSON CC 

 How AN APPLE GROWS 



Leading thought The purpose of the apple blossom is to produce apples 

 which shall contain seeds to grow into more apple trees. 



Method This lesson should begin with the apple blossoms in the spring 

 and should continue, with occasional observations, until the apples are well 

 grown. If this is not possible, the blossom may be studied, and directly 

 afterward, the apple may be observed carefully, noting its relation to the 

 blossom. 



The Apple Blossom 



Observations i . How are the apple buds protected in the winter ? As 

 the buds open what becomes of the protecting scales? Can you see the 

 scars left by the scales after they have fallen. How does this help us to tell 

 the age of a twig or branch"' 



2. As the winter buds open, which appear first the flowers or the 

 leaves ? Do they both come from the same bud ? Do all the buds produce 

 both flowers and leaves ? 



3 . Study the bud of the apple blossom. Describe its stem ; its stipules ; 

 its calyx. What is the shape and position of the lobes, or sepals, of the 

 calyx? Why do we usually call them the "lobes of the calyx" instead of 

 sepals ? 



4. Sketch or describe an open apple blossom. How many petals? 

 What is their shape and arrangement? Can you see the calyx-lobes 

 between the petals as you look down into the blossom? What sort of a 

 figure do they make? Are the petals usually cup-shaped? What is their 

 color outside and inside ? Why do the buds seem so pink and the blossoms 

 so white ? 



5. How many stamens are there: 1 Are they all of the same length? 

 What is the color of their styles and anthers ? On what are they set ? 



6. How many pistils do you see ? How many stigmas are there ? Are 

 the ovaries united? Are they attached to the calyx? 



