SPRING NATURE STUDY. 549 



formation of the seeds, which mature early. The elm 

 flowers are very small, and should be observed only in 

 connection with the study of the elm tree. 



It is much better to have but two or at most three kinds 

 under observation at one time, always centering the work 

 about one. Too many varieties are distracting. A few 

 branches of each kind are better than many. The teacher 

 should set the example for the children 'by using no more 

 material than is necessary. 



It is well to encourage the children to watch some 

 branches at home. This will often interest parents, as well 

 as children, and may forestall criticisms in regard to " the 

 nonsense taught at school." 



The children should watch carefully the unfolding of 

 the buds, noting all changes, but should never pick them 

 to pieces. They can gain little knowledge, and will lose 

 much of the spirit of bud study or nature study, if they are 

 encouraged or allowed to pull apart these plant cradles, or 

 dissect the babies within. Each day one or two questions 

 may be asked which can be answered only by a study of 

 the buds. Greater interest can be aroused by encouraging 

 the more observant children to consider their discoveries as 

 secrets, to be kept or imparted only to the teacher, thus stim- 

 ulating the others. 



The following may be helpful as an introduction to bud 



study : 



A MARCH BUD. 



"Perhaps you may think, because I am buttoned 

 And folded and wrapped in my little cloak so, 

 That I always dress this way in all sorts of weather, 

 With never a frill or a ruffle to show. 



But it's only because I have come out so early, 

 That only Jack Frost and the winds are astir. 

 They're hard on the dresses, but under my wrappings 

 Is my pretty new party dress hidden with fur. 



