THE HOME SURROUNDINGS 111 



differences among these trees in any one respect. In an ele- 

 mentary way this grouping of facts is a "Key" for the 

 identification of these trees. 



11. Outside of school hours make a sketch of some one of 

 the shade trees you named, showing its form and manner 

 of branching. State (by map or otherwise) just where this 

 tree is to be found. Hand in the sketch. 



Using the Key of Farmers' Bulletin 468, and any available reference 

 books on trees, determine the name and variety of a large number of 

 trees in the immediate vicinity trees which before were unknown to 

 you. Cultivate the acquaintance of these trees till you are sure of 

 recognizing them at sight, and have an interest in their growth and 

 well-being as friends of yours. 



Be prepared to state in writing (as an examination for school credit 

 it may be) the name and variety of any designated tree or trees of the 

 neighborhood, together with the characteristics upon which you base 

 your decision. (Be sure to include in your studies some of the ever- 

 greens and ornamental trees of the vicinity.) 



SOME PLANT STUDIES 



1. Note the general form of the roots of some corn plants 

 unearthed from flower jars in which they have been growing 

 in the room. 1 Flatten one of the best of these specimens 

 against white cardboard, and make a drawing to represent 

 its appearance. The roots of the grasses and of the grains 

 are very generally of this fibrous type. Gardeners, florists, 

 and nurserymen in many instances transplant trees, shrubs, 

 and other plants for the express purpose of causing them to 

 form a large mass of fibrous roots. 



1 Provision for these studies must be made ahead of the time set for this 

 lesson. 



