17 Lessons in Nature Study. 



serrated margin presents a marked contrast to the oaks of 

 the preceding lessons. 



V. 



The next tree observed was a large green ash, growing 

 not far away. In addition to the preceding line of study 

 on trees more attention was given to the wood. Some very 

 pretty specimens of ash were obtained, and together with 

 cross-sections, radial sections, and tangential sections of 

 the stem were mounted upon a large card. Later leaves, 

 flowers, and fruit were also mounted here, so that the ash- 

 tree told its own story by means of samples of all its parts. 

 Here again we found novelty in the compound leaves with 

 their cuspidate apexes and serrate margins. 



The uses of ash brought out much material for composi- 

 tion-work. 



VI. 



The poplar was next studied. This particular tree was 

 selected to show how early trimming of branches often en- 

 tirely changes the form of the tree. Why did men cut off 

 its top before planting ? Why did all these branches start ? 

 Because of dormant buds which started only because the 

 main branches were cut off. The leaf also is of a different 

 type from those studied. The difference between trees 

 pruned and those allowed to grow in their own way shows 

 in this instance the wisdom of pruning for shade. 



VII. 



The above was the last lesson given on special trees in 

 school. Each pupil was then required to draw and write a 

 description of two trees not previously studied, growing 

 somewhere between home and school. This resulted in 

 drawings and descriptions of the following trees : , 



The sycamore with its wide irregular mode of branching, 

 its brown-gray bark peeling off in large patches exposing the 



