Teachers' Leaflet. 545 



fall and the leaves attain their growth. So the leaves are performing many tasks at 

 once ; sending the starch which they manufacture to be stored in the forming buds, 

 in the growing nuts, in the living and increasing wood, and in the roots. Note that 

 this year's fruit and next year's flowers are at the same time provided for. 



The leaves grow on opposite sides of the twig and stand out stiffly from it at 

 a wide angle ; the whole expression of the tree is stiff and prim ; very dignified and 

 stately but not graceful. 



The prevailing color of the leaves in autumn is dull yellow, but there are 

 brown tints. They " go all to pieces," as they fall, the separation being as complete 

 and the joint as smooth between leaflets and stem as between stem and branch. 



LESSON XVIII. 

 THE FLOWER. 



Purpose. — To acquaint the child with the different parts of the 

 flower, and to show how the bees and other insects help by carrying 

 pollen. 



Material. — At least two flowers on the desk of each pupil, and as 

 large and fair a spike as can be obtained in the hands of the teacher. 



Observations by the pupils: 



1 . On what part of the tree are the flowers borne ; at the ends of 

 the twigs or at side shoots? 



2. Do the clusters droop or stand stiffly upright? 



3. What colors do you see in the flowers ? 



4. How are the separate flowers arranged on the main flower stalk ; 

 opposite, alternately or spirally? 



5. Do the flowers all open at once, from top to bottom of the spike ? 



6. Describe the calyx or green cup in which the flower rests ; 

 number its parts ; tell whether it is smooth and shining or .soft and hoary 

 as though covered with minute hairs. 



7. How many petals are there? Are they alike in size and shape? 

 Are they attached or connected with each other? 



8. How many stamens? Are they held within the corolla, or do 

 they protrude beyond its edge? 



9. What color are the anthers or pollen-boxes? 



10. Search the center of the flower. Do you find a single, stiff, 

 green pin. with a sticky tip, springing from a round seed-box in the heart 

 of the flower? This is the pistil. Can you find one in every flower? 



11. Is the flower fragrant? 



12. Have you observed any insects visiting the flowers? 



13. Study the flower again. Could a bee enter it and get the 

 nectar at the base of the blossom without touching the tip of the pistil? 

 Could it withdraw without dusting itself with pollen from the out-thrust 

 anthers? 



Fads for the teacher. — The horse-chestnut blossom grows only in the terminal 

 buds, and the production of flowers and fruit stops the growth of the twig at that 

 point. It is continued by the side or lateral buds, and this makes a forking branch. 

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