PLANT STUDY 



in the autumn: ripening of fruit; dropping of leaves; 

 period of rest, during which a study of twigs and buds will 

 be found very interesting; opening flower buds; opening 

 leaf buds; period of growth, during which the twigs are 

 lengthened by growth of the terminal bud and a new layer of 

 wood deposited just under the bark all over the tree, and at 

 the same time an inner layer added to the bark ; formation 

 and maturing of buds for next year; maturing of fruit 

 (seeds). During the study, call attention to the means by 

 which the tree heals wounds in its bark; how its seeds are 

 dispersed and planted; and settle with the class such ques- 

 tions as whether or not the heart wood grows, and whether 

 the bole of the tree lengthens by growth near the ground. 

 What other forms of life are found in the tree? Lichens? 

 Moss? Mistletoe? Insects? Birds? Animals? Extend 

 the work to other trees for comparison. Compare with 

 palm or other endogen if available. The palm grows from 

 a single bud of enormous size. This bud never assumes 

 the dormant form, because the climate of the tropics is 

 never cold enough to render this necessary. In the endo- 

 ,gens (inside growers) no annual rings are formed. Note 

 | the differences between the seeds and the venation of leaves 

 of exogens and endogens. 



In the germination of seeds shallow boxes, three to five 

 inches in depth, are best for indoor work. For deepest 



interest the work should begin before the 

 Semination , , . , , 



)f Seeds advent of the growing season out of doors. 



Lima beans, peas, pumpkins, squash, In- 

 Han corn, and some of the larger wild seeds from the seed 

 ollections will be found well adapted to the work. While 

 /aiting for the germination of the planted seeds, have the 



