382 NATURE STUDY. 



The pushing up of the buds or " seed-cradles " by the 

 lengthening of their stem. Why ? 



The green blankets ( bracts ) covering the buds, and the 

 way in which Mother Dandelion turns them back so that 

 the very small seed babies can feel the sunshine ; at night 

 these blankets are drawn over the babies again. 



The bright yellow quilt which covers the seeds. Do not 

 attempt, with the little folks, any detailed study of the 

 parts of the flower or florets. 



The closing of the seed-cradle, sometimes for several 

 days. What can be going on inside ? 



Ripening and Scattering of Seeds. Observe with the 

 children do not merely tell them or observe for them 

 such points as the following : 



The lengthening of the flower-stem until the seed-cradle 

 is pushed up far above the place where it was first seen. 



The fading and pushing up and final dropping of the 

 yellow quilt, and the appearance of a white silky blanket 

 in its place. 



The turning back of the green blanket, showing at last 

 the many, many brown seed babies at the bottom of the ' 

 cradle, each baby with one long white arm, like a hair, and 

 with many long, hairlike fingers. 



The changing of the cup or saucer ( receptacle ) in which 

 the seeds are fastened into a flattened ball, shaped like a 

 door-knob, causing the seeds and their arms and fingers to 

 separate. 



The way in which these arms and fingers spread apart 

 until they form the beautiful hairy ball. Isn't it almost as 

 pretty as the milkweed cradle, or hammock ? It is much 

 more dainty. 



Now comes the helping wind, or a "blow" from some 

 little mouth, perhaps trying to learn whether mother wants 

 her or what time it is, and away go the seed babies, each 



