1 82 METHODS IN TEACHING 



plasm of the pollen grain and the ovule are thus united in 

 the latter, resulting in its development into a seed. Let the 

 pupils prove by experiment that pollination is necessary for 

 seed production. 



For the purpose of study flowers may be divided into two 

 classes: those that depend upon the wind for pollination; 

 as, Indian corn, willow, walnut, pine, wheat, and other 

 grasses. Those that depend upon insects ; this class includ- 

 ing all flowers conspicuous through bright colors or pecu- 

 liarity of form. The following are particularly interesting 

 for study, alfalfa, Scotch broom, perennial pea, snap- 

 dragon, evening primrose, milkweed, Smyrna fig, the mel- 

 ons and squashes, and the perfect and imperfect flowered 

 varieties of the strawberry. Indian corn and the straw- 

 berries are especially adapted to the experiment above men- 

 tioned. In studying the milkweed have the pupils brush 

 the flowers gently over the hairs on the back of the hand. 

 The pollen masses will be found tight-clutched to the hairs. 

 Catch some of the insects that visit these same flowers; 

 their claws and long hairs will often be found loaded with 

 the pollinia, which are thus dragged over the stigmatic sur- 

 faces of the flower, insuring fertilization. 



Pupils will find it very interesting to watch insects at 

 work among the flowers, seeking the nectar, or pollen. 

 Careful observation will usually disclose the method by 

 which the bee or other flower-loving insect thus becomes 

 the unconscious but indispensable servant of the plant. 

 There is a side to such work as this that has proved more 

 than practical. It is practice, based upon wide knowledge 

 of this character, that enables a Luther Burbank to produce 

 fruits, flowers, and other plant products almost to order. 





