THIRD GRADE FALL WORK 139 



solid pulp, within which are numerous seeds, are grouped 

 into the gourd family, and comprise the melons, squashes, 

 cucumbers, and gourds. 



Classify all the fruits into these families, as far as possible. 

 Let the children make each classification. 



They should also discover adaptations of structure to 

 conditions and needs of the plant. For example, of what 

 advantage is the thick, bony rind of the squash? To what 

 danger would it be subject if it were covered with the soft 

 skin of the peach? Why is it safe for the latter to have 

 so soft a covering? 



LESSON XII 

 FRUITS CANNING, ETC. 



Examine with a lens some mildewed or moldy fruit. 

 The mold resembles moss or other vegetation. How did 

 this vegetation come to grow upon this specimen of fruit? 

 How do weed seeds come to grow in our garden? Have 

 you ever seen dandelion seeds scattered by the wind? If 

 these seeds fall upon moist earth, they settle there and 

 begin to grow, but if they fall upon a stone, or board, or 

 dry, hard walk, they do not grow. In the same way the seeds, 

 or spores, which produce the mold, float in great numbers 

 in the air; they are so small that we fail to see them unless, 

 perchance, in a sunbeam that enters a dark room. The 

 dust then visible may be in part these seeds or spores. What 

 will happen to these seeds if they come in contact with a 

 moist, bruised part of an apple or a peach? What will 

 happen if they come in contact with the smooth, dry skin? 

 Then why is it dangerous to break the skin of fruit which 

 we wish to keep? 



