Teacher's Leaflet. i 123 



(3). Do the spinfes grow around the margins of the leaves or on the 

 ribs and veins? 



(4). Are the edges of the leaves flat, or wavy and ruffled, and how 

 does this affect the direction in which the spines point? 



(5). Are the leaves entire or deeply lobed and cut? 



(6). Have they a stem or petiole, or are they attached directly to 

 the main stalk? 



(7). Are the leaves so held as to allow rain and dew to drip from their 

 tips, or is all moisture led downward toward the central stalk and the 

 root? 



(8). Notice whether any buds or small branches nestle in the axils 

 of the lower leaves. What effect does cutting the main stalk seem to 

 have on these side shoots? 



Facts for Teachers. — The leaves of these thistles grow alternately on the stalk ; 

 those of the Lance-leaf are deep green, covered above with rough and bristly 

 hairs, and when young have on the underside a webby, soft gray wool which 

 falls away as the plants get old enough to mature their seed. The Canada's leaves 

 are thinner and more slender, much ruffled, dark green and smooth on both sides 

 except when young, when they are slightly woolly underneath. In both species 

 the spines grow on the edges of the leaves, which are deeply cut and lobed and 

 are also somewhat wavy and ruffled, thus causing the savage prickles to point 

 in every direction. 



The stems of the Lance-leaf are armed with prickly wings and each wing clasps 

 the stalk down to the axil of the leaf below, thus surrounding it on all sides with 

 a spiny guard. The Canada's leaves are stemless and partly clasp the stalk at 

 the point of attachment. The ribs and veins of both species are without spines, 

 prominent below and depressed above, forming channels down which the rain and 

 dew may flow to the thirsting roots. Small buds or branches may be found at 

 the axils of the leaves and if a plant is beheaded of its blossoms these axillary 

 buds nearest the top of the stump will spring into growth to take their place. 



Lesson VIII 



THE THISTLE FLOW^ER 



Observations by Pupils-' 



(i). Do the flowers of the thistle grow singly or in clusters? 



(2). Do they grow from the summit of the stalk or branching from 

 its sides? 



(3). Which blossoms open first, the topmost flower-heads or those 

 lowest on the stalk ? 



(4). Do the rows of flowers at the outer edge of the head open first 

 or those at the center? 



(5). What is the color of the blossom? 



(6). Are the flowers fragrant? 



