THE STUDY OF THE DANDELION. 31 



the mutual dependence and helpfulness of all nature, 

 and for comprehending the unity of nature. The dan- 

 delion has become more than something with root, leaves, 

 flowers, and seeds. It has become a unit, with all its 

 parts related, and a centre about which much of its 

 physical environment has been grouped. 



Fourth. We have learned to think as well as to see ; 

 to investigate the "why" and "how" as well as the 

 64 what " of the dandelion. We have learned somewhat 

 better to see or think of things in all their relations, 

 functional as well as structural, relations of depen- 

 dence as well as relations of similarity and difference. 

 We have developed somewhat our capacity for broad 

 thinking. 



We have studied the dandelion as an isolated form 

 or structure ; we have compared it with other forms of 

 plants; we have considered its dependence on and 

 adaptation to its surroundings. Have we exhausted 

 its relations, studied them all ? Have we put into 

 or obtained from the wayside weed all that may make 

 its study of educational value, all its content ? 



Does the dandelion have any relations to man, or any 

 higher relations ? To our practical, matter-of-fact reader 

 may come visions or nightmares of the intensely 

 bitter dandelion tea administered in childhood days by 

 mother or grandmother as a " spring medicine." Per- 

 haps we remember with more pleasure the dandelion 

 greens made from the young leaves. So the dandelion 

 is of some use to man. 



