emery] some experiments FOR THE GARDEN 283 



get the habit of relying on his own exertions for the knowledge he 

 obtains, thus, the school training will give him power rather than 

 facts. 



2. In experimenting, careful measurements, accurate observa- 

 tion, and patient investigation are essential ; habits are thus formed 

 that are of inestimable value in after life. 



3. Interesting practical problems in arithmetic grow out of 

 these experiments ; new interest is thus infused into what to most 

 children, is a v6ry dreary study. For example, we note by the 

 rain-gauge that a one-half inch rain is necessary to be of real 

 benefit to the garden; hence, the question: To produce the same 

 effect on a plot 12' x 6'- how many 2 -gallon watering cans must be 

 applied? What weight of nitrate of soda should we use on a plot 

 10' X 5' if we wish to apply at the rate of 160 lbs. per acre as directed 

 in the book? From the alfalfa plot 10' x 10' we cut 13 lbs. of hay. 

 How may tons per acre ? 



4. Farming is placed in a new light. The child learns that, 

 instead of its being a laborious task that anybody with strong 

 muscle can do, it has real problems hard enough to occupy the best 

 trained scientific minds — problems, many of which are still waiting 

 for a solution. 



The following experiments have been found to work out success- 

 fully in the neighborhood of this Normal School, 43° N. lat. They 

 are suggestive only, since anyone may lead the way to others of 

 similar nature. Some will be found suitable for spring, others for 

 the autumn. Some are adapted for the schoolroom, others for the 

 farm or garden plots at home or at school. The order is not 

 important but it is necessary that the question should have arisen 

 before the experiment is performed. If the children can devise 

 their own experiments so much the better. 



I. Germination: 



(a) After the pupils have examined a soaked bean and dis- 

 covered its chief parts the question arises, what becomes of each 

 part? Line the inside of a battery jar, (a tumbler will answer) 

 with white blotting-paper, fill with sawdust or moss then drop 

 seeds down between the glass and paper. Moisten the sawdust 

 and keep the jar in a warm place. The seeds will sprout in full 

 view, and their development may be watched. 



{h) In (a) the roots may be seen growing downwards, the stem 

 and leaves upwards; keep the jar inverted for a few days. 



