Teacher's Leaflet. 



1159 



Lesson XXII. 



THE LEAVES. 



Observations by Pupils: 



(i). What is the shape of the Broad-leaved Plantain leaf? 



(2). Describe the number and position of the veins. 



(3). Are the edges of the leaves smooth and entire or in any way 

 toothed or scalloped? 



(4). In what way do the leaves of the two species differ from each 

 other? 



(5). Have the Plantain leaves any true stems like the clovers or do 

 they spring directly from the root? 



(6). Observe the great 

 strength of the fiber inside of 

 each vein. With care it may 

 be pulled out of the vein for 

 its entire length. Which spe- 

 cies has the toughest fiber? 



(7). Can you see any rea- 

 son from the shape of the 

 leaves why the Plantains 

 should remain fresh and 

 green in a severe drought 

 while grass is parched and 

 brown ? 



Facts for teachers. — The large 

 leaves of the Broad-leaved Plan- Winter rosette of narrow-leaved plantQtn. 



tain are a long oval in shape, 



almost like an Indian's snow-shoes, vi^hich helps to explain why they gave 

 the weed the name of " White Man's Foot." They are palmately seven-veined 

 and each vein contains a strong fiber which can be pulled out. The edges 

 of the leaves are slightly wavy and toothed. The heavy veins are lighter in color 

 and very prominent on the under side of the leaves and depressed on the upper 

 side and all draw together in a thick, channelled footstalk at the base. Thus, 

 every drop of rain or dew that falls on the broad, smooth and slanting leaf surfaces 

 is conducted at once to the large cluster of long, fibrous roots which penetrate 

 deeply into the soil. Also the clustering leaves lie close to the ground, preventing 

 the escape of the moisture in the soil beneath them. 



Farm laborers in the heated season find the large leaves very cooling in the 

 crowns of their hats, and they have so long been considered as healing to bruised 

 and wounded flesh that in Shakespeare's play Romeo is bidden to use Plantain leaf 

 for his broken shin. 



