Teacher's Leaflet. 



755 



Material. — A twig bearing flowers on the desk of each pupil. 



Observations. — (i). Do the flowers grow single or in clusters? 



(2). What is the shape and color of the petals, and how many of them 

 are there in each blossom? 



(3). If there are any opening flower buds observe and describe the 

 way the petals are folded within it. 



(4). Count the stamens and observe Uie shape of the pistil. 



(5). Does each individual flower have a stem or is the stem attached 

 to a cluster of blossoms? 



(6). Do the flowers grow at the tips or along the sides of the twigs? 



(7). When do the witch-hazel flowers appear and how long do they 

 last? 



Fads for the Teacher. — The witch-hazel blossoms appear at the axil of a leaf or 

 immediately above the scar from which a leaf has fallen, the season of bloom being 

 so late that often the bush is bare of leaves, and is clothed only with the yellow 

 fringe-like flowers. Usually the flowers are in clusters of three, but occasionally 

 four or five can be found on the same very short stem. The petals are four in 

 number, shaped liked tiny, yellow ribbonS; about one-half inch long and not much 

 wider than a coarse thread. In the bud these petals are rolled inward in a close 

 spiral, like a watch spring, and coiled so tightly that each bud is a solid little ball 

 no larger than a bird-shot. There are four stamens lying between the petals and 

 between each two of these stamens is a little scale just opposite the petal. The 

 pistil has two stigmas which are joined above the two-celled seed-box or ovary. 

 The blossoms sometimes open in late Septemlier but the greater number appear in 

 October and November. They are more beautiful in November after the leaves 

 have fallen as these yellow, starry flowers seem to bring light and warmth into the 

 landscape. 



Lesson XIL 



the fruit of the witch-hazel. 



Purpose. — ^To show the pupils the wonderful mechanism by which 

 the witch-hazel scatters its seeds. 



Material. — A few branches bearing nuts which have not yet discharged 

 their seeds. These may be kept quiescent by placing them where they 

 will be damp until wanted ; when exposed to dry warmth or sunshine 

 they will soon throw their seeds a distance which will amaze and delight 

 the pupils. 



Observations. — (i). Make a drawing of a witch-hazel nut before it 

 opens. 



(2). What is the color of the outer husk when ripe? 



