Teacher's Leaflet. 



753 



THE WITCH-HAZEL. 



This shrub is not only most interesting in itself but has connected 

 with it many legends. From its forked twigs were made the divining 

 rods by which hidden springs of water or mines of precious metals were 

 found, as it was firmly believed that the twig would turn in the hand 

 when the one who held it passed 

 over the spring or mine. At the 

 present day its fresh leaves and 

 twigs are used in large quantities for 

 the distilling of the healing extract 

 so much in demand as a remedy for 

 cuts and bruises and for chapped or 

 sun-burned skin. It is said that the 

 Oneida Indians first taught the white 

 people concerning its medicinal 

 qualities. 



The Witch Hazel, 



Lesson IX. 



THE WITCH-HAZEL. 



Purpose. — To teach the children 

 to identify the plant and to observe 

 its strange habit of late flowering and 

 of bearing its fruit and blossoms at 

 the same time. 



Material. — If possible take the class to find the witch-hazel in its home, 

 as it is common to almost any mixed woodland in our State. If this is 

 impossible get the pupils to make these observations individually and 

 by themselves. 



Observations. — (i). Is the witch-hazel a shrub or tree? 



(2). What is the color of the bark? Is it thick or thin, rough or 

 smooth, dark or light, or marked with dots or lines? Is there any dif- 

 ference in color between the older wood and young twigs ? 



(3). Is the wood tough or brittle? Dark or light in color? 



(4). Do the leaves grow opposite each other or alternate? 



(5). On what part of the plant do the leaf buds grow? 



(6). Where do the blossoms grow? 



Facts for the Teacher. — The witch-hazel is a large shrub usually from six to 

 twelve feet high, although under very advantageous circumstances it has been 

 known to take a tree-like form and attain a height of more than twenty feet. Its 



