AND HIS PLANT SCHOOL in 



their teacher. They were plaeed very near each other 

 and soon learned the ways of the California berry pupils, 

 which had been brought from the hills and valleys border- 

 ing the Pacific. There were also many varieties of culti- 

 vated berries, varying in color from the brightest scarlet 

 to white. They trailed their slender forms along the 

 ground, their polished or downy leaves spread upward to 

 take in the pure air and to catch the bright rays of sun- 

 shine, without which the food could not be digested for the 

 use of the plants. 



For many years cross-pollination and selection of the 

 best continued. When scarlet berries peeped from be- 

 neath green leaves, badges of honor were awarded those 

 plants that excelled in any particular. Still the ideal 

 berry was not produced, and it was finally decided to dis- 

 continue the task undertaken and give these berry pupils 

 a vacation. Most of them were allowed to remain in the 

 school, however, for they had become very dear to their 

 teacher. In a plant school, as in a school for children, it 

 is necessary for some pupils to remain longer than others. 



After twenty years had passed, a plant collector sent to 

 the school some seeds of a wild strawberry that grew on 

 the high mountains of South America. These tiny seeds 

 were sown in the kindergarten department of the plant 

 school, and after being promoted to Gold Ridge they were 

 soon ready for a fruit test. They were found to bear 

 very small berries, but of excellent flavor. 



