132 STATE POMOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 



tion of woods. To show the necessity of this study, I refer to 

 the fact that classes can be found in our village schools where 

 fifty per cent of the pupils are not sure that they can recognize 

 any tree, except the apple tree. (It was not so in the old time 

 school, for every one of us knew the birch.) 



With more advanced classes the relation of form to strength 

 of fiber should be taught, as the fir with its pyramidal form, 

 broad at the base and tapering to a point does not need such 

 tough wood as the elm, with its broad top and great exposure to 

 the force of the wind. And another, that the trees with large 

 thin leaves, like tlie maple, must drop its leaves before the rude 

 blasts of winter come on, while the pine, with its long slender 

 leaves, may keep them all the year. 



The pupils can be excited to profitable competition by seeing 

 who can name, correctly, the greatest number of woods from the 

 specimens. This induces careful observation of structure. No 

 mere cursory observation will do, as so many woods are very 

 similar in appearance; and only the closest scrutiny can detect 

 a difiterence. This study carried to its legitimate conclusion 

 would give the preliminary work so important to the architect 

 and cabinet maker. 



The study of trees and shrubs can be used when other mater- 

 ial cannot be obtained, and can be extended over a series of 

 years, and still enough can be found to interest and profit the 

 pupil. It is not beyond the youngest; and food for thought 

 and development of the reason can be found for the more 

 advanced. It has a practical side, too, in teaching that many 

 of our native trees and shrubs are better adapted to ornamental 

 purposes than those brought from distant places by the nursery- 

 man. Seeds, also, can be used to teach many valuable lessons. 

 The composition, parts, distribution, vitality, and conditions 

 favorable to germination, etc. These are all interesting and 

 easilv taught by observation, and are elements which would go 

 far toward making the farmer work intelligently, and with a 

 love for his work. 



But the flowers in their season should be in every home and 

 school. Thev invite our attention and study by appealing to 

 every avenue to attention by the most attractive means. Not 

 only do they charm the eye by their variety of color, but they 

 load the air with their sweet perfume. 



