220 NATURE-STUDY REVIEW [12:5— May, 1916 



Do not let children pull soil up about the stems of plants. Teach that this 

 lets soil dry out more and may injure roots. 



Teach children to recognize the insect enemies discovered on their plants. 

 Talk with them about these pests and the remedies. 



Lead them to discover interesting facts about the plants, as they grow. 



Talk with them about the uses of their plants. 



GRADE IV 



Garden Trips as in Grade III 



Continue the insect work begun in the spring. 



Observe bees visiting flowers. What do they get? (Nectar, pollen — use?) 

 Bring caterpillars on plants to cages in school room. Watch their habits 

 and development. Damage done. Remedies. 

 Teach to pot geraniums from the garden. 



Bulbs (October or November) 

 Pupils plant bulbs (narcissus, hyacinth) in pots (group-work). Interest 

 them in potting and caring for bulbs at home. 

 Children watch growth of plants in the room. 

 Recognition of kinds. 

 Compare bulb flowers with apple-blossoms (Spring). Parts, uses. 



Seeds (early Spring) 

 Germination of peas and corn. Contrast with squash and bean. Parts 

 in each seed (See leaflets, Study of Seeds and Seedlings). 



Soil 



Review kinds of soil, water in soil of each kind. 



Make a soil map of part of the garden where 4th grade plots are located. 

 Discover and study briefly top soil and sub-soil. (See soil and mineral 

 leaflets.) Distribution of roots in soil. (Observe in holes dug in garden.) 



Home Gardens 

 Encourage the children to start gardens at home. Help in planning, 

 getting seed, etc. (See Planting Plans, Seed Order lists.) 



School Garden 

 Grains and Grasses. 



Recognition of each kind sown. (The teacher is to have a collection of 

 each kind in glass vials, labeled.) 



Uses and importance of each. Kinds for lawns, pasture, etc. 

 Testing seeds, methods and importance. 



Garden plan — when finished keep plan posted where all may see. 

 Each child should copy this and also make a plan of his home garden. 

 Sowing grains. Preparation of soil, covering, etc. 



