26 Lessons in Nature Study. 



Encourage the children to collect small boxes full of 

 seeds. I have seen small boxes, 2X2X1 inch, used, and 

 very interesting collection of seeds thus formed. Late in 

 the fall, when the seed collection is complete, give a lan- 

 guage lesson as follows : Let the class write about seeds, 

 answering these questions based on their observations : 



How does a peach-pit differ from a plum-pit ? Which is 

 larger, a plum- or cherry-pit ? Name seeds that have wings, 

 down, silk. Name a seed with a very large scar. Other 

 questions will suggest themselves. 



The seeds collected may often be of use for observation 

 lessons on growth by sowing on wet cotton in early spring. 

 I have seen children work for weeks on seeds, deeply inter- 

 ested in finding these facts, and unconsciously developing 

 their senses to an extent that is truly wonderful. 



III. Growth from Seeds. 



Procure some lima beans ; have enough to supply each 

 child. Soak them overnight. Then plant them on a mat 

 of wet cotton. Cover lightly with another wet mat and 

 place in a tumbler on a sunny window-sill. 



In a day or two employ them in a lesson. Tell the chil- 

 dren that there is a little door in the seed-coat. Tell them 

 that if they watch for it they will soon see the baby put his 

 little foot out of the door. 



This will create enthusiasm, and observations will be 

 made almost every hour of the day. In a short time their 

 watching will be rewarded, and then each stage of develop- 

 ment will be observed and recorded. Let drawings be 

 made every third day. Other seeds sown in like manner 

 always awaken great interest among the children. Mixed 

 bird-seed gives most interesting results. Older pupils may 

 examine root-fibres, etc., with a small magnifying glass and 

 see the root-hairs. 



The following is an outline of observations on the bean, 

 together with language and number lessons based upon 



