498 NATURE-STUbY 



best adapted for shade trees ? Why ? Which are the most 

 rapid growers? Which are the shortest lived? Which 

 produce a litter with their fruit? Which are most easily 

 affected by insects and drop their leaves during the summer ? 

 Which are the most easily injured in a storm? Which tree 

 is your favorite? Why? Draw a sketch of it and write an 

 essay on it for Arbor Day. (173, etc., 220, 219, 22oa.) 



ARBOR DAY: Read up beforehand how to set out a tree. 

 (See Chapter XVIII.) Plant a white elm, nut, or fruit tree. 

 (220, 219, 241, 226, 221, 229.) 



GARDENING : Begin early to plan garden. Select seeds and 

 send for them. Choose from lists on page 295. Let the 

 boys engage in a competitive cultivation of the sugar-beet, 

 and the girls, too, if they wish, or let them choose flowers, 

 (chrysanthemums). Read up in Farmers' Bulletins and 

 books about the sugar-beet, and apply the directions. (Farm- 

 ers' Bulletin No. 52; books: 222, 223, 241, 226, 230.) Let 

 a committee visit the beet plots and flower beds during the 

 summer, and in the fall exhibit the results and award prizes. 



Start seeds in cold-frame or hot-bed. 



Help the lower grades prepare the garden. Lay* out 

 class garden. (Chapter XVI.) Individual plots, if possible, 

 also a few general beds for ornamental plants or experimental 

 cultures. Mark off, stake out, plant, etc., in season. 



Plant diseases and insects: Observe. Read up, find 

 remedies and apply. (221, 229, 241, 226, 231, 230, 2.46.) 



Set out berry bushes, vines, shrubs, and perennial herbs 

 for decoration or to attract the birds. Encourage pupils 

 to do this at home. 



Lessons in pruning. Give pupils the prunings to take 

 home as cuttings for planting. 



