50 NATURE STUDY, BY GRADES 



seeds, etc. Which have finished the season's work and 

 died? Which are young and just beginning to develop? 

 Are some dying before they have borne seeds? Account 

 for this. Are some thriftier than others ? Why ? Compare 

 plants of the same species that have little water with those 

 having plenty. Note the difference in size and general 

 development, and thus show the need of water. 



In like manner show the need of sunlight. Plants under 

 the shade of a tree, house, or other obstruction do not 

 thrive. Note the effects of overcrowding. Which are killed 

 by overcrowding? Why? 



Are these wild plants of any use to man? As successive 

 crops grow year after year, die, and decay, they greatly en- 

 rich the soil and prepare it for man's use. Sagebrush, so 

 common in arid regions, is a good illustration. Make a 

 special study of it in this connection. How rich the soil is 

 near the sagebrush where the leaves have fallen, decayed, and 

 mixed with it ! 



Most wild plants, when growing with cultivated plants, 

 become a nuisance and cause the farmer much labor to 

 remove and keep down. Have any of the pupils aided in 

 weeding the garden? What is the effect upon the crop if 

 the weeds are allowed to grow? 



LESSON XX 

 PLANT RELATIONS TO WATER 



Let the pupils visit a swampy place, also a piece of dry 

 bench land or upland, and study the plants found in each 

 place. Collect samples of water plants and land plants for 

 use in the schoolroom. 



