138 



It is better to observe for five minutes and draw for one, than to 

 observe for one and draw for five. 



We may make our drawing lesson more interesting by telling 

 the class something about the object which they are to draw, 

 involving in our story facts that will tend to impress upon their 

 minds some of the most salient characteristics of the object. We 

 should encourage the children to discuss the object, drawing out 

 facts from their own observation. Certain kinds of trees, like 

 certain races of people, have a general similarity, yet every single 

 tree has an individuality of its own. 



Let us apply a few essential questions that wall help us to 

 determine at least the kind of tree it is, the race to which it 

 belongs ; for first w^e must get its general character, seeing its 

 big proportions and shape ; and later must search for its 

 individualities. 



Is it tall for its greatest width ? 



How far does the trunk extend before dividing? 



At what height do the lowest branches begin ? 



What is their general direction ? 



Do they appear to radiate from the trunk ? 



How do the main branches compare in size with the trunk? 



Are the}^ crooked or straight ? 



The manner of branch growth must be studied carefully. 



We see in our elm (Fig. 34) that the trunk divides at 

 about a fourth of its height into several main branches, while in 

 the cases of the pepperidge (Fig. 29) the trunk extends to the 

 very top of the tree, the branches being small in proportion to 

 the trunk, not var^nng much in size, and taking an oblique 

 downward direction. Notice the w^eird expression of these trees 

 with their crookedly bent tops, one side of each trunk being 

 almost devoid of branches. 



The trunk of the sassafras (Fig. 30) continues nearly to the 

 top of this tree, while the large branches, though unsymmetrical, 

 give it a well balanced appearance. 



Again in our picture of the thorn-apple (Fig. 31), we are at 

 once impressed with its irregular form, the branches on the 

 left taking a more oblique direction than those of the other side, 

 the trunk dividing a little short of half the height of the tree. 



