400 NATURE STUDY. 



NOVEMBER. 



Work for the Month. The final preparation of the plant 

 for the winter. The work of the plant completed. What 

 the plant gives to man. 



THE STUDY OF FRUITS. 



We have studied the plant as a whole, and in its rela- 

 tions to its surroundings, to soil, water, air, and sun, We 

 have investigated the relations of the parts root, stem, leaf, 

 and flower to the whole plant and to each other, and have 

 learned something of the special use or function of each. 



As at this season seeds are being ripened, and scattered 

 all about us, we have placed special emphasis on the seed, 

 its formation, protection, and dissemination. During the 

 bright October days our boys and girls have seen the dan- 

 delion and thistle and milkweed seeds, and hosts of others, 

 flying through the air, and have learned, perhaps, in their 

 manufacture of baskets and furniture out of burdock burrs, 

 how and why they are scattered. 



If the teacher has been wise, her pupils have talked and 

 written about the seeds, and have made drawings of them. 

 They have expressed that with which they have been im- 

 pressed. 



Has the little seed, for whose formation, protection, and 

 dissemination all nature seems to be co-operating, led them 

 to think ? Has it interested them ? Has it given them a 

 glimpse of the great thought, of the purpose, back of it ? 

 Has the study of plant and flower and seed helped them to 

 see a little more clearly and to tell a little more truthfully ? 

 Then the work has been a success, although not a name nor 

 a fact of structure or classification is remembered. 



But the bright October days have gone, and with them 



