XII 

 SUMMARY OF LIFE IN THE WOODS 



73. In no other place do we find so many plants asso- 

 ciated as we do in the woods. There are, each in its 

 favorite soil and locality, the many large trees ; under them 

 and near them grow the host of shrubs, still more numerous 

 than the trees. On trees and shrubs nature's own drapery 

 of wild grapevine, Virginia creeper, and other climbers and 

 twiners is gorgeously displayed. Most shrubs and woody 

 vines, no doubt, seek the company of large trees on account 

 of the good soil and protection from withering winds to be 

 found there ; but such delicate flowers as White Heart, or 

 Dutchman's Breeches, Bloodroot, Trillium, and many others, 

 could not endure the glaring light and the heat of the sun, 

 nor the hot, dry winds ; the shade of the protecting foliage 

 of trees is absolutely necessary to their existence. If you 

 transfer any of these shade-loving plants to a sunny spot 

 in your garden, they will soon die. The teacher might ask 

 pupils to bring specimens of all plants to be found in the 

 nearest grove. It is not necessary that pupils or teachers 

 should know the names of all of them. 



We have learned that the woods are a great plant community, 

 in which the larger and stronger members protect and shelter 

 the weaker ones. 



This great plant community attracts a rich animal life, 

 although we saw little of this except song birds and insects. 



Observations. Look in open streams, brooks, springs, etc., for aquatic 

 insects, fishes, hibernating frogs, crabs, snails, and aquatic plants, 

 u 289 



