DRUSHEL] A PLAN FOR STUDYING PINES 7 



2. What is the most conspicuous difference between the frame- 



work of the pine and that of the oak. 

 Sketch the tree framework (trunk and main branches). 



3. In what other trees does the stem take the same habit as the 



Pine ? Is there any commercial value in this habit ? 



4. How does a pine behave when the top part of the tnmk is cut 



away? 



5. What is the arrangement of the branches on the stem? Can 



one tell the age of a pine tree from this arrangement ? Note 

 some young pine tree a few years old. 



6. Is there any significance to the direction asstuned by the 



different branches? 

 To the difference in the length of the branches? 



2. The Leaf. 



1 . Find by observation two ways in which the leaves of the pine 



tree differ from those of the oak or poplar. 



2. Find two ways in which the leaves of the pine tree you are 



observing differ from those of other species of pines. 



3 . How many kinds of leaves as regards age can you find on your 



tree? 



4. What is the advantage of needle leaves to a tijee? Any dis- 



advantage? 



5. Without counting all of them, can you determine approxi- 



mately the ntimber of leaves on your tree? 



6. "WTiich grows faster, your pine or the poplar? Do the leaves, 



number, shape, and size, have anything to do with this 

 answer? 



3. The Flowers. 



1. Look for the flowers in May. 



2. Where do they stand on the tree? 



3. How many kinds are there ? 



4. Note that the flower clusters look like little cones, that some 



have pollen, and others do not. 



5. What is the position of the pollen-bearing flowers (staminate) 



to those not bearing pollen (pistillate)? 



6. How does pollen reach the latter? Any device to hold the 



pollen after it reaches them? 



4. The Fruit. 



I . Have the children collect young pine cones, a year or less old, 

 and bring to school. 



