PLANT STUDY 1 8? 



lost the power of independent existence. The different 

 varieties of mistletoe are interesting plants that never have 

 Parasitic any direct connection with the soil. The 



Plants viscid material surrounding the seeds serves 



to make them adhere to the bark of trees, where they 

 germinate and grow. The common dodder, or love vine, 

 is a degenerate morning-glory. Its seeds germinate in 

 the ground as other seeds do, but, unless the young plant 

 finds a host upon which to prey before the food substance 

 of the seed is exhausted, it dies. Through disuse, it has 

 lost its leaves, which are represented by scale-like organs 

 that are functionless. It has also lost the power to pro- 

 duce chlorophyl ; hence, the absence of the green color char- 

 acteristic of plants, and of the power to assimilate plant 

 food taken directly from the soil. Therefore it does not 

 retain connection with the soil after the first week or two 

 of its life. It forms its snake-like vines, its flowers, and its 

 seeds from food stolen through many root-like organs, 

 which it thrusts through the bark of its host, the plant upon 

 which it lives. This parasite is known by its yellow or 

 orange color. The story of its life contains a strong moral 

 lesson which applies to human affairs, the loss of power 

 through a lack of use. 



A subject that abounds in interest for pupils and that is 

 of great practical value is the propagation of plants. Fill 



pots or boxes with coarse, sharp sand. 

 Propagation 

 of Plants Make cuttings of two or three buds each. 



In planting, leave one bud above the sur- 

 face of the sand. Keep the sand moist, not wet. Try 

 cuttings of the following plants, grape, currant, fig, rose, 

 geranium, carnation, and chrysanthemum. For the best 



