THE PLANT THAT MAKES THE CROP 



253 



plant. Examine the plant where it stands, height, spread, 

 color, mode of branching and any special peculiarities: make 



430. Harvesting a peanut crop. 



a sketch. Collect the plant, root and all, character of root 

 as to depth and spread, mode of branching, nodules (if a 

 legume), and other features: make sketch. The specimen 

 may now be taken to the schoolroom or other laboratory, 

 and studied as to direction and size of stem, features of 

 nodes, character of bark or rind, position of branches and 

 leaves and flowers, characters of leaves and flowers and fruits, 

 how pollinated, yield, whether it bears any evidence of dis- 

 ease or insect injury or lack of normal vigor, whether it 

 has suffered in contest with its fellows or with other plants : 

 make notes and sketches. 



426. Plants or plant products are sometimes judged by 

 comparing them 

 with an assumed 

 or ideal standard 

 of perfection. 

 These standards 

 may be printed in 

 form for ready 

 use, and they are 



then known as 431. A crop of nursery trees. Year-old peach trees. 



