ragland] STUDY FOR GR.ADES SEVEN AXD EIGHT 115 



Conclusion: The pine is one of the slow growers. It is an 

 ornamental rather than a shade tree. As such it is very attractive 

 when young. Most pines become very ragged after a few years. 

 This is especially true where snow, ice, and sleet storms are 

 frequent. Even though ragged some of the pines are very pic- 

 turesque. 



Xote: If in the midst of the discussion some child says, "I do not know 

 the elm" the following procedure can be used in the study of some elm trees 

 of the vicinity. 



How know the elm ? 



What kind of a leaf has the elm ? 



How know the elm by its shape? 



Conclusion : The elm may be easily recognized by its leaf and 

 its triangular outline. Sometimes the trunk soon divides into 

 from two to three main branches, which rise with an easy and 

 gradual curve, become horizontal, and many times pendulous, 

 giving to the elm the Etruscan vase form. At other times the 

 trunks are tall and the branches form a bush at the top, not unlike 

 the feather duster. The elm leaf is an egg shaped leaf two or three 

 inches long. It is known chiefly by its lopsidedness. 



(A similar procedure can be used for any tree which the children 

 do not know.) 



i . Repeated : From all that we have said of these shade trees 

 which would you select for this lot ? 



Let children make suggestions. From these suggestions raise 

 the question: 



ii. Shall we plant slow or rapidly growing trees? 



i. Which are the rapidly growing trees? 



2. What are the advantages of the rapidly growing trees? 



3. Disadvantages? 



Partial conclusion: The rapidly growing trees are brittle 

 and easily broken. They are dirty trees, the poplar being especi- 

 ally undesirable for this reason. The catalpa and locusts are 

 bothered by insects in this community. Unless rapid shade is 

 very much desired the fast growing trees are to be avoided. 



4. Which are the slow growers? 



5. What advantages have the slow growers? 



Partial conclusion: On the whole the slow growers, the hard 

 maple, the elm, the ash, the linden, the sycamore, and the pine 

 are hardy and clean. In this community they are fairly free 



