126 The Leaf 



of the clover. As the seedling grows older the place of 

 these leaves and of the branches growing from their 

 axils is taken by spines. 



PRACTICAL WORK. 



1. Make a life-size sketch of the cactus plant. Under the sketch 

 write answers to these questions : Are there any spines ? Are they 

 arranged in any special way ? Can you suggest what they really 

 are ? Why has a desert plant like the cactus special need of spines ? 



(4 6 pupils can do this question at once, sitting round the cactus 

 plant. While awaiting their turn the rest can go on with the other 

 questions.) 



2. Write the best descriptions you can, in not more than ten 

 words each, of the twigs of broom and cypress. 



What is there unusual about them ? What sort of surroundings 

 do you consider each adapted to ? 



3. Make careful drawings of the pansy leaves twice life size, and 

 mark which is blade and which stipule. Finish in ink. 



4. Look at the leaves of the house leek (a stone-crop may be 

 substituted). How would you describe them ? Is there anything 

 unusual about the surface ? How are their special properties useful 

 to the plant ? 



5. Draw the three kinds of climbing plant life size and write by 

 the side of each drawing the part you think it uses to climb. 



HOME WORK. 



Draw your twigs of butcher's broom and paint in water colour. 



Mark the various parts "branch," "leaf," "flower," under the 

 sketch ; give reasons for your answer. 



Collect gorse seeds when ripe or purchase them. Sow in a 

 greenhouse warm and damp. Are the seedlings like ordinary gorse 

 plants ? Furze, gorse or whin ( Ulex Europceus) may not be stocked 

 by all seedsmen, nor named in the ordinary price lists of flower 

 seeds, but will be found under such headings as "Agricultural Seeds" 

 or " Seeds for Game Coverts " on some of the larger catalogues, such 

 as those of James Carter & Co., 237, High Holborn, London, W.C., 

 and Barr & Sons, 11, King Street, Covent Garden, London. 



