1903] Natukh Stltdy — No. 2. 6--, 



debt of gratitude it owes its insect friend, its struggle to maintain 

 itself and thereby its kind, the adaptability of its leaf to its probable 

 share of sunshine and air, and the marvellous ingenuity in its 

 method of dispersing its seed, its care and provision for its young, 

 its habits as regards soil, moisture, light, climate, and time to bloom. 

 These are some of the questions which afford material for 

 the use of the senses and for the exercise at the same time of the 

 best powers of the mind, and promote as much mental develop- 

 ment as those subjects which are now considered the most valu- 

 able in our programme ot studies. 



Let me illustrate by our common flower— the Dandelion, 

 which, though trodden under foot daily, is teeming with interest- 

 ing problems for the student. 



While in its bloom, it lies low in the grass and is careful never 

 to push its head above the average level of its garrison of grass. 

 If the grass is long, however, its flower is raised up also. It 

 would be interesting to know how it succeeds in accommodating 

 itself so well to its surroundings. It is easier to see the advantage 

 It IS to the little flower not to be so low down in the grass as 

 to be completely smothered, nor so high above it as to be exposed 

 to the whim of every passer by who, like Domsie, might cut off 

 Its head with his cane on some occasion when his joy overcame 

 him. When its seeds are ripened, it pushes its head away above its 

 surroundings and invites the violence which will disperse its seeds. 

 The Dandelion flower expands in sunlight; closes up in gloom. 

 The advantage of such an arrangement must be manifest to all ; 

 but it requires the most careful study to ascertain the way in 

 which it opens and closes apparently at will. 



The attractive coloring must suggest some points of interest. 

 Is the yellow color as.sociated with a flower of a low or high 

 organization? What scale of colors is adopted by nature in the 

 decoration of her handiwork ? A study of the flower will convince 

 any one that color has an important relation to the plant. It is 

 visited by insects and some observation will disclose the fact that 

 color is for the express purpose of attracting insects. 



The question suggests itself— What advantage comes to the 

 flower in being visited by an insect? What compensation is made 



