FALL PLANT STUDY. 365 



now), by the teacher drawing the leaf on the blackboard at 

 the direction of the children (represent first the plan of 

 veining, then draw the divisions or lobes about the main 

 veins or ribs), or by letting them make an impression in 

 clay. 



The large leaves come from around the base of the stem 

 (they seem to come from the roots, and hence are called 

 " root-leaves "), have very long stems, which are hollow and 

 broad at the base, like a funnel split lengthways (Why?), 

 and have a blade with five to seven divisions, or " fingers." 

 Compare the veins with the bones in the fingers of the 

 children; they will discover that each finger and each 

 point has a vein to support it. Compare them also with 

 the veins in their hands, or with the gas or water pipes in 

 their houses, or with the ditches or drains in the fields. 



Compare the stem-leaves, those growing on the stems 

 which bear the flowers, with the root-leaves as to position, 

 length of leaf-stem, parts, veins, and uses. 



Perhaps the children can grasp a little of the thought 

 that the earth is much prettier because there is such end- 

 less variety in the leaves of different plants. How much 

 better it is that the leaves of the buttercup are so different 

 from those of the mallow ! 



Flowers. The buttercup flowers are the golden cups 

 from which the fairies take their favorite drink, dew and 

 honey. 



u 'O where do you come from, bright flowers and fair, 

 That please with your colors and fragrance so rare, 

 Glowing in sunshine, or sparkling with dew ? ' 

 ' We are blooming for dear little children like you.' " 



" The buttercup catches the sun in its chalice." 



LOWELL. 



Cannot we begin our study of the flower by putting and 

 fastening in the hearts of the boys and girls thoughts like 



