The Gentian. 



37 



of school-work. Nature study, for its own sake, should 

 have a place in the school. 



II. THE GENTIAN (Figs. 5 and 6). 



Gentians are so common, so conspicuous, and so beauti- 

 ful that, coming as they do so late in autumn, they are 

 among the most appropri- 

 ate flowers to study at that 

 time of the year. At least 

 one whole plant should be 

 obtained when possible, so 

 that all its parts may be 

 seen. I would not advise 

 the digging of roots enough 

 for a whole class, for such 

 an act as that would soon 

 drive these beautiful blos- 

 soms from our forests. One 

 root is enough, but each 

 child should have at least 

 one flower to examine for 

 himself, and the one with 

 roots should be passed from 

 one to another, and each 

 child may see the plant in 

 toto. I would not advise 

 the teacher to procure the 

 plants for a class. Have 

 the children procure their 

 own if possible. This is so 

 that they may observe the 

 locality, soil, and surround- 

 ings of the plant. Having FIG. 5. 

 supplied each child with a specimen, time should be given 

 to allow all an opportunity to observe their specimens 

 Perfect silence should reign while each looks at his plant. 



