XX. PINE CONE 



Material. — Pine cones that are ripe, but not yet open. Cut off a few 

 scales from the bottom of each cone, so tliat the other scales can be easily 

 removed. 



Months before a pine tree ripens one set of seeds, it 

 blossoms and starts another crop ; and until the seeds 

 are ready to grow, it keeps them safely locked within 

 scaly cones where only a squirrel or a crossbill could 

 steal them. 



Observation. — On what kind of pine did the cone 

 that you are studying grow ? What is the length 

 of the cone? What is its diameter? What is its 

 color ? Is it smooth or rough ? What markings 

 do you find on its surface ? 



Pick a cone to pieces. Of what is it composed? 

 How are the scales arranged in a cone? In re- 

 moving them, at which end did you have to 

 begin ? What is the size of a scale ? What is its 

 shape? What marking do you find on its upper 

 end ? 



How many seeds are under each scale ? What is 

 the size of a pine seed ? What is its shape ? What 

 is its color ? What arrangement has a pine seed for 

 being carried away after the cone opens ? 



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