612 NATURE STUDY. 



The development of the maple bud shows very clearly 

 the formation of the winged seeds and the arrangement of 

 leaves to get the greatest possible amount of light. Relate 

 to seed study of previous autumn. 



The cherry buds are particularly good to show how the 

 fruit is formed from the flower. Watch the turning back of 

 the bud scales, the appearance and parts of the flowers, the 

 falling of petals and later of the calyx and stamens, and 

 the growth of the cherry and seed from the lower part of 

 the blossom. There is no good reason why the second- and 

 third-grade children should not study and understand the 

 plan and parts of the flower, the green calyx, cup-shaped 

 with five teeth at the top ; the white corolla with five or 

 more petals ; the many yellow thread-like stamens ; the green 

 seed box or pistil, concealed within by the calyx. Do not, 

 however, allow the children to separate the parts of the 

 flower, or to tear it into pieces. 



This observation of the formation from the flower of 

 seeds and fruits will both review the spring plant work 

 and prepare for the fall study of seeds and fruits outlined 

 for October and November. 



MY HORSE CHESTNUT BLOSSOM. 



u The main stem is fastened to a little seat between the leaves. 

 The shape of the stem is cylindrical and it has little notches on it. 

 The length of my twig is about a half a foot long. The color of my 

 twig is green a little lighter at the top than at the bottom. The little 

 flowers are arranged almost opposite in pairs. The shape of my little 

 stem is round and it has notches toward the end. The length of my 

 little stem is about two inches long. The color of my little stem is a 

 light green almost yellow but not quite. The calyx are under the co- 

 rolla. Their color is light green. There are five of them (sepals, C. 

 B. S.). There are five parts to the corolla. The parts are called pet- 

 als. Their color is white with red and yellow spots in them. Those 

 with the red in them are the older." 



MARGARET BECKER, THIRD GRADE. 



