FRUITS 



171 



equally close together ? Do you find an ear with an odd number 

 of rows ? How do the parts of the husk overlap ? Does the 

 husk serve as protection from rain ? Can birds pick out the grains? 

 How do insect enemies enter the ear ? How and when do weevils 

 lay eggs on corn ? 173. Study a grain of corn. Is it a seed ? 

 Describe the shape of a grain. Color. Size. Does its surface 

 show any projections or depressions ? Is the seed-coat thin or 

 thick ? Transparent or opaque ? Locate the hilum. Where is 

 the silk scar ? What is the silk ? Sketch the grain from the two 

 points of view that show it best. Where is the embryo ? Does 

 the grain have endosperm ? What is dent corn ? Flint corn ? 

 How many kinds of corn do you know ? For what are they used ? 



Fig. 248. — Pecan 

 Fruit. 



Note to Teacher. — There are few more interesting subjects 

 to beginning pupils than fruits, — the pods of many kinds, forms, 

 and colors, the berries, and nuts. This interest may well be 

 utilized to make the teaching alive. All common edible fruits 

 of orchard and vegetable garden should be brought into this dis- 

 cussion (some of the kinds are explained in " Lessons with 

 Plants"). Of dry fruits, as pods, burs, nuts, collections may be 

 made for the school museum. Fully mature fruits are best for 

 study, particularly if it is desired to see dehiscence. For com- 

 parison, pistils and partially grown fruits should be had at the 

 same time. If the fruits are not ripe enough to dehisce, they 

 may be placed in the sun to dry. In the school it is well to have 

 a collection of fruits for study. The specimens may be kept in 

 glass jars. Always note exterior of fruit and its parts : interior 

 of fruit with arrangement and attachment of contents. 



