FALL PLANT STUDY. 355 



Leaves must get food and water from the root through the 

 stem. Note how they are fastened to the stem, each large 

 leaf growing separately from a different part and side of 

 the stem. They must be lifted away from the stem, so that 

 the leaves can see the sun. Call attention to the long 

 green stem of the leaf, flat on the side turned upward, 

 rounded on the other side, " like a pencil cut in two length- 

 ways." Why so long? Why flattened, or slightly hol- 

 lowed out, on the upper side ? To leave a space for the 

 baby leaves at its base. Notice the two little ears (stipules') 

 at its base. They help to cover the young leaves when 

 they are very small. 



At the upper end of the leaf-stem is the broad, flat part, 

 which we generally call the leaf. After the children have 

 called it the " broad, flat part " for a time they will be glad 

 to get a name for it. Comparing it with the flat, thin blade 

 of a knife may help them to remember the special name 

 given to it, the " blade " of the leaf. Why so broad ? To 

 form a blanket. Its shape almost round, with a deep 

 cut where it is fastened to the leaf -stem. Its scalloped 

 edge (in many leaves), to make it look prettier. How held 

 out flat with its face toward the sun ? Have the children 

 feel their hands and discover how their bones support their 

 hands. What holds out the leaves of the mallow ? The 

 veins*. Where do they start from, how many, how ar- 

 ranged ? Call the attention of the boys and girls to the 

 blood-vessels in their hands, and tell them that they carry 

 the blood to and from all parts of the hand. The veins 

 of the leaf also carry to all parts of the leaf the water and 

 food taken in by the roots, and brought to the leaf-blade 

 by the plant-stem and the leaf -stem. 



The leaves have other work to do besides helping to 

 beautify the plant and the world. To keep alive, what 

 else do boys and girls have to do besides eating and drink- 



