REPORT OF THE SOCIETY 71 



A host of interests cling about the orchard, but Httle or no attention is given 

 to this subject in scliools. I beHeve we know more about bananas, figs, and pirke- 

 apples than we do about apples, plums and grapes. 



Orchards require attention, and for this reason they have been a failure on 

 most farms in Quebec. The trees should be properly selected — hardy and good; 

 properly planted and cared for, and not simply left to grow up like so many 

 Topsies; properly cultivated and sprayed. 



The fruit grower is dependent largely on honey bees for the pollination of his 

 orchard. This aspect of the question touches upon many matters which can be 

 investigated by young people, such as the structure of a flower, the functions of 

 the various parts, pollination and fertilization, the growth of the fruit and the 

 seed, etc. 



Again, every person should be informed regarding the tw'ig and its buds, 

 leaves and markings; important events are recorded on the tv\ags, and a history 

 of the twig is a truthful epitome of the chief events that occurred during the life 

 of the tree. 



We have but touched the fringe of the land of mysterious things about the 

 farm. Moreover, there is no danger that their number may become exhausted. 

 These are the things that we would like to see studied in our schools. Why do 

 we want them introduced? Because: 



1. They form part of the child's natural environment which should be of 

 interest to him; 



2. A knowledge of these things would be of economic value in better 

 farming and increased production; 



3. Educationally these subjects are at least of equal importance to the 

 old time subjects; 



4. Increase of interest in these common things would prevent, to some 

 extent at least, the alarming exodus to the city.': 



