130 NATURE STUDY BY GRADES 



What effect has frost upon plants? Examine some 

 frost-bitten leaves or vines in the class. What plants with- 

 stand the frosts longest ? Which are first killed by the frost ? 

 When did the first "killing," or severe, frost occur? Did 

 it do much damage? 



Discuss tender and hardy plants, and the methods of 

 protecting the former from the frosts. Discuss the green- 

 house and artificial coverings. Smudges of crude petroleum 

 and damp straw are used to protect orchards from an un- 

 timely frost. A change of a single degree in the average 

 temperature in our northern latitudes would make the great- 

 est change in plants that would grow there, by lengthening 

 or shortening the season. What plants cannot grow wild in 

 our northern latitudes on account of the frosts? 



Does any good come from having frosts or exceedingly 

 cold weather? Dig in the earth and find how far the frost 

 penetrates. Explain how it disintegrates rocks, both large 

 and small, just as it bursts the water pipes or water pitcher. 

 It does the soil the greatest good, and may be called nature's 

 plowman. What influence has the locality upon the forma- 

 tion of frost ? Does it fall first in the valley or upon the 

 bench land ? Discuss other physical effects of frost. 



THE FROST 



The frost looked forth one still, clear night, 

 And whispered, " Now I shall be out of sight ; 

 So through the valley and over the height, 



In silence I'll take my way ; 

 I will not go forth like that blustering train, 

 The wind and the snow, the hail and the rain, 

 Who make so much bustle and noise in vain, 



But I'll be as busy as they ! " 



