Junior Naturalist Monthly. 353 



Do you think of any way in which we might keep the soil on steep 

 hillsides from washing? What effect would it have if the hillsides 

 were planted to trees or grass. 



THE BROOK. 



A brook is the best of subjects for nature-study. It is near and 

 dear to every child. . . . It is a scene of life and activity. It 

 reflects the sky. It is kissed by the sun. It is caressed by the 

 wind. The minnows play in the pools. The soft weeds grow in the 

 shallows. The grass and dandelions lie on its sxmny bank. The 

 moss and ferns are sheltered in the nooks. It comes one knows not 

 whence; it flows one knows not whither. It awakens the desire of 

 exploration. It is a realm of mysteries. It typifiies the flood of life. 

 It goes "on forever." — L. H. Bailey. 



BLOSSOM-TIME AND SEED-TIME. 



"When does the chestnut tree blossom?" I asked a class of 

 bright girls and boys. Only one of the forty knew. "When are the 

 chestnuts ripe?" I then asked. Every one of the forty knew. I 

 was glad to find that the chestnut tree had not wholly escaped the 

 notice of the young naturalists, but I thought it best to encourage 

 them to find out when the blossoms appear that make the nuts or 

 fruit. Watch the chestnut trees this year and find out. See whether 

 you can notice any difference in blossoms on the same tree. When 

 the small burrs, are first forming, open one and you will learn how 

 very interesting a little chestnut appears. Do not open many, for I 

 am sure you will wish a goodly supply of nuts next fall. 



Another tree which you mil find interesting when bearing blossoms 

 and fruit is the linden tree or basswood. If a linden grows near your 

 home, watch the time of blossoming and notice how the fruit is 

 borne. Some of you may not understand what we mean by the 

 word "fruit." The fruit of any plant is that part wliich contains 

 the seeds. How many trees do j^ou know in blossom-time and 

 seed-time? 



The seed-time of wild flowers is also interesting. When you take 

 your walks in the woods during the summer, notice the wood plants 

 gone to seed. Do you remember the little plant you marked in the 

 spring, that you might watch what happened when it was no longer 

 in blossom? Tell us how it goes to seed. 



Notice the seed pods of the adder's tongue. How many do you 

 find on one plant? The adder's tongue is a lily. What other mem- 

 bers of the lily family do you know? 

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