82 The Nature-Study Idea 



are ready and competent, the teacher may be 

 able to reach the children more effectively than 

 they. In nearly every school it is possible to 

 have a few plants in the window. They may 

 not thrive, but it is worth while to set the child- 

 ren to inquiring why they do not. Sometimes 

 the poorest plants awaken the most effort and 

 inquiry. If nothing else will thrive, a beet will. 

 Secure a good fresh beet-root from the cellar. 

 Plant it in a box or tin can. Surprisingly quick 

 it will throw out clean bright leaves. The thick 

 root will hold moisture from Friday to Monday. 

 A desire for school-gardens is gradually 

 taking shape. This movement must grow and 

 ripen ; it cannot be perfected in a day. Through 

 the centuries there have been few school-gardens : 

 we must not expect to overcome the lack at once. 

 The movement has not been aided much, if at 

 all, by those who have "complete" schemes for 

 gardens for the district schools. Such schemes 

 may be advisable later. Start the work by 

 suggesting that the school-grounds be cleaned 

 or "slicked up." Take one step at a time. 

 The propaganda for school-gardens must have 



