54 THE NATURE-STUDY IDEA 



thrive, but it is worth while to set the children to 

 inquiring why they do not. Sometimes the 

 poorest plants awaken the most effort and inquiry. 

 If nothing else will thrive, a beet will. Secure a 

 good fresh beet from the cellar. Plant it in a box 

 or tin can. Surprisingly quick it will throw out 

 clean bright leaves. The thick root will hold 

 moisture from Friday to Monday. 



A desire for school-gardens is gradually taking 

 shape. This movement must grow and ripen; it 

 cannot be perfected in a day. We must be patient 

 and persistent. For a century there have been few 

 school-gardens : we must not expect to overcome 

 the custom in a day. The movement has not 

 been aided much, if at all, by those who have 

 "complete'' schemes for gardens for the district 

 schools. Such schemes may be talked about later. 

 For the present, start the work by suggesting that 

 the school-grounds be cleaned or " slicked up.'' 

 Take one step at a time. The propaganda for 

 school-gardens must have relation to the economic 

 and social conditions under which the school 

 exists. There is some confusion as to the objects 

 of school-ground improvement. The purposes 

 may be analyzed as follows : 



(i) Ornamenting the grounds, comprising 

 {a) cleaning and tidying them, {b) securing 

 a lawn, {c) planting. This is always the 

 first thing to be done. It stands for ideals of 

 thrift, cleanliness, comfort, beauty, progres- 

 siveness. 



