96 STATE POMOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 



THE STUDY OF PLANTS ON THE FARM. 

 By Mrs. V. P. DeCoster, Buckfield. 



We people who live on farms can study plants in one form or 

 another all the year around. We do not need to wait for a sum- 

 mer vacation or even for summer itself. In winter, we can study 

 the trees and shrubs and buds. For you know that all these bushes 

 by the brooks and the trees which leaf out so early in the spring 

 cannot have time to grow their leaves and blossoms so quickly 

 after the snow is gone. If you examine them in winter, you will 

 find the little buds all formed and covered with a warm water- 

 proof coat. 



And the first warm days in spring make them begin to swell 

 and grow and throw off their winter clothes. The first ones 

 children always notice are the pusy-willows, which appear not only 

 to have a water proof cloak, but a fur coat under that. Almost 

 at the same time come the catkins or tassels on the alders and 

 hazel nuts. But these same tassels have been there, dry and hard, 

 on the bushes ever since last summer. I want lyou to notice the 

 two kinds of blossoms on the alders and hazels. The important 

 ones which bear the seed at first appear to be blighted buds. 

 Then see how many trees will soon be in bloom. The poplars 

 first, so like the pussy-willows then the maples, both red and 

 white, the beautiful lace-like blossoms on the elms, the dainty 

 tassels on the birch, the Balm of Gilead and butternut. But later 

 and most beautiful of all, how we love our fruit tree blossoms ! 



The pear, the plum and cherry trees fill us with delight. But 

 'tis when the hillsides of old New England are white with apple 

 blossoms, and the air is heavy with their sweetness, that we have 

 the grandest bloom of all. Life means so much then. We are 

 in tune with nature. We enjoy the present bloom at the same 

 time we enjoy the anticipation of delicious fruit. Much of the 

 sturdy strength as well as mental worth has been gained by the 

 New England people from lessons learned under these old apple 

 trees, as well as from their luscious fruit. 



The trouble with most children in studying plants as well as 

 other things, is because they do not keep their eyes open wide 

 enough to see more than a small part of what is all about them. 



