280 



NATURE-STUDY 



flowers should be allowed to go to seed. These, when ripe, 

 should be collected by the children and saved for next year. 

 This is an important part of the gardening work, much 

 neglected in the home garden and at school. (See also 

 Chapter XVIII on the beautification of grounds. For lists 

 of bedding plants see page 296.) 



BULBS FOR OUTDOOR CULTURE: The gorgeousness and 

 beauty of spring bulbs make them very desirable in school 



FIG. 102. Bulb Diagram for Outdoor Planting. 



gardens. While the garden is being prepared and the chil- 

 dren are waiting for the seeds to come up, they will be de- 

 lighted and encouraged by the growth and flowering of 

 these beautiful bulbs. They are so easy to raise that every 

 kindergarten ought to cultivate them. Tulips are the best, 

 as a general thing, and there are many different patterns 

 and colors of them. Crocus, daffodils, hyacinths, and Ger- 

 man iris are also excellent. It is best to set the bulbs in 

 September or October, and when the frosts begin, to cover 

 them with a mulch of straw or leaves for the winter. The 

 beds should be either raised or well-drained with broken 



