3 



NATURE-STUDY 



ditions for plant life. Most people love flowers and would 

 like to know how to raise them. 



These germination lessons may be utilized to teach the 

 children how to prepare the soil, the use of fertilizers, and the 

 proper temperature and moisture conditions necessary for 

 germination and growth. Older pupils should try some 

 instructive experiments. Let them compare seedlings grown 

 in cold and warm temperatures, with sufficient, too much, 



FIG. 106. Germinators for Observing Seeds and Seedlings. 



and too little water; in fertile and sterile soil; in loam, sand, 

 clay, and mixtures of these. 



Most people are apt to plant seeds too deep. They can 

 be buried so deep that the seedlings will fail to reach the sur- 

 face. 



Very small seed, such as petunia, should be lightly sprinkled 

 over the surface of the soil and kept moist. Some very fine 

 soil may be sifted over thinly. Larger seeds may be planted 

 deeper, from three to four times their thickness. If started 

 in boxes they will germinate better by keeping a pane of 

 glass over the box till the seeds are up, when the glass should 

 be removed. Be sure to get fresh seed. 



