584 NATURE STUDY. 



Review how the seeds were taken from the seed-case last 

 fall (Cannot some tell how the seed-case looked. See 

 Fig. xxx ); how many were gathered by people, while others 

 dropped to the ground; how the dark color so much like 

 the color of the earth and the hard coat have protected 

 them from birds and insects and cold ; how they have been 

 covered with leaves and snow, until sun and rain have 

 awakened them. 



Step II. The awakening. Recall the size, shape, and 

 hardness of the dry seed and its swelling and the softening 

 of its coat when placed in water. The pupils should be 

 able to tell, from their observations, how and where the little 

 caulicle first appeared, always at the same part of the seed, 

 coming through, or making a hole in the pointed end of the 

 seed, and how it lengthened and thickened, perhaps burst- 

 ing open the coat. 



Compare development of morning glory with that of the 

 bean, if the 'children have studied the bean. 



Eead with them and discuss the following : 



" Down the little drops patter, 

 Making a musical clatter ; 

 Out of the clouds they throng. 

 Freshness of heaven they scatter 

 Little dark rootlets among. 

 4 Coming to visit you, Posies, 

 Open your hearts to us, Roses,' 

 That is the raindrop's song. 



Up the little seed rises, 

 Buds of all colors and sizes, 

 Clamber out of the ground. 

 Gently the blue sky surprises 

 The earth with that soft rushing sound. 

 4 Welcome,' the brown bees are humming ; 

 *Come, for we wait for your coming,' 

 Whisper the wild flowers around." 



