Wild-Flower Study 585 



Method The pupils should have a field trip to see what plants are left 

 uneaten in pastures, and thus learn where mullein grows best. The 

 flower or seed stalk, with basal leaves and root, may be brought to the 

 schoolroom for the lesson. 



Observations i. Where does the mullein grow? Do you ever see it 

 in swamps or woodlands? Do cattle or sheep eat it? Why? Does it 

 flourish during the summer drought? How is it clothed to prevent the 

 evaporation of its sap? Look at a mullein leaf with a lens and describe 

 its appearance. 



2. What sort of a root has the mullein? How is its root adapted to 

 get moisture and plant food which other plants cannot reach? Describe 

 the flowering stalk. How are the leaves arranged on it and attached to 

 it? Are thera several branching flower stalks or a single one? 



3. Describe the flower bud. Do the mullein flowers nearest the base 

 or the tip begin to blossom first? Is this invariable, or do flowers open 

 here and there irregularly on the stem during the season? 



4. Describe the mullein flower. How many lobes has the calyx? 

 Are these covered with felt? How many petals? Are there always this 

 number? Are the petals of the same size? Are they always regular in 

 shape? 



5. How many stamens? How do the upper three differ from the 

 lower two? Describe the style and stigma. What are the colors of 

 petals, anthers and stigma? What insects do you find visiting the flow- 

 ers? 



6. Describe the seed-capsule, its shape and covering. Cut it across 

 and describe the inside. Where are the seeds borne? Are there many? 

 Look at the seed with a lens, and describe it. How does the capsule open 

 and by what means are the seeds scattered? 



7. Does the mullein grow from the seed to maturity in one year? 

 How does it look at the end of the first season? Describe the winter 

 rosette, telling how it is fitted to live beneath the snows of winter. What 

 is the advantage of this habit? 



8. Write a theme telling all the ways the mullein has of flourishing 

 and of combating other plants. 



"The mullein's pillar, tipped with gulden flowers, 

 Slim rises upward, and yon yellow bird 

 Shoots to its top." 



"The Hill Hollow," A. B. STREET. 



'Sober dress never yet made you sullen, 

 Style or size never brought you a blush; 

 You're the envy of weavers, O, Mullein, 

 For no shuttle can mimic your plush. 

 With your feet in the sand you were born. 

 Woolly monk of the thorn-field and fallow, 

 But your heart holds the milk of the mallow, 

 And your head wears the bloom of the corn." 



THERON BROWN 



