SCHOOL COURSES. 35 



COUESE IV. Senior Pupils. 



The principles laid down for recognition in the previous 

 course will now receive further illustration and amplifica- 

 tion. Pupils will now be better able to realise seasonal 

 influences, and this factor therefore receives more promin- 

 ence. Within the seasons the studies are in the main 

 arranged with some attempt at logical continuity of theme 

 rather than under the distinct sciences, botany, zoology, etc. 

 It is intended that this arrangement should be followed ; 

 so far from causing confusion, it will help towards a much 

 desired realisation of what has been so fitly termed the 

 "web of life," as well as of other interrelations of the 

 nature complex. 



SPRING COURSE. 



This course may begin very appropriately with the study 

 of early flowering plants. Pupils who have gone through 

 the lower courses will already be familiar with a good many 

 types. It will be found, however, that the interest of find- 

 ing anew and examining old friends is unfailing, and 

 further, that new facts continue to emerge. Work on the 

 following lines should be carried out : 



OUTDOOR STUDIES. 



Flowering Plants. A list to be made of the flowering 

 plants growing wild in the district. The date of first time 

 seen in flower and situation to be noted in each case. 

 In order to illustrate the special relation to spring of the 

 plants found, some grouping should be attempted on these 

 lines : 



(a) Hardy, flowering all the year or nearly so e.g. 

 Groundsel, Shepherd's Purse, Daisy, Chickweed ; 



(6) Hardy, flowering early e.g. Grorse, Purple Dead- 

 nettle ; 



(c) Provided with special reserves of food store over 

 winter e.g. White Butterbur, Coltsfoot. 



