48 



(d) Study effect of shallow and deep planting on different seeds. 



(e) Observe the usual time of planting and of harvesting different 



crops. 



ANIMALS. 



Study moths and butterflies. If cocoons are kept in a warm place 

 the moths and butterflies usually come out some time in April. Keep 

 in a conspicuous place. Note the opening, size and shape. Note con- 

 dition of wings and body at time of egress. Note time from first ap- 

 pearance until wings are entirely expanded. Not number, color and 

 form of eggs. Learn different parts of body. Compare with larva. 



MINERALS. 



Study capillarity of soils in relation to germination of seeds and 

 gardening. Preparation blotting paper in a drop of ink; lump of 

 sugar in tea; piece of crayon in ink; wicks in candles; lamp wicks; ex- 

 plain. Put glass tubing of large and small bore in colored water. 

 Note difference in height of water in tubes. Pill a pan with sand. 

 Fill four argand lamp chimneys respectively with sand, gravel, loam, 

 and clay. Stand them in the pan of sand with large end down. Pour 

 water over the sand in the pan. In which chimney does water rise 

 most rapidly? What becomes of it? > Compare this experiment with 

 experiments with soils for November. Fill a chimney with compact 

 soil nearly to the top. Add some dry loose sand. Do you notice any 

 difference in the action of the water? Relate these experiments to 

 tillage of the soil. 



When soil moisture, or the w r ater table is too low to be useful to 

 plants, capillarity may be established by rolling loose soil and making 

 it more compact, thus bringing the water to a place where it is avail 

 able. To prevent its evaporation, the soil should be ploughed or har- 

 rowed, forming an earth mulch, thus destroying capillarity. 



Why should we try to conserve the winter rains and snows? What 

 effect would rolling have upon soil? How could you prevent the 

 moisture from being lost by evaporation? Walk over finely ploughed 

 ground. What makes the foot print so apparent in a short time? 

 What is meant by earth mulch and what is its value? 



NOTE. There is such a difference in the vitality of seed and so much poor 

 material put in the market it is well to know how to test seed, to determine the 

 per cent, that will grow; before planting, seed must have proper life conditions 

 in order to develop in the most vigorous manner. 



