ON TREES AND BIRDS. 



41 



as you are riding on cars, you will observe that all the 

 cultivated fields have healthy trees. 



In the foregoing statement that the roots feed on 

 " stubble, weeds and other vegetable matter," you must 

 not forget that these must have a supply of moisture 

 to hasten decay, in which condition they can be dis- 

 solved in water and be taken up as plant food. Now, 

 children, don't forget this same lesson in gardening 

 and in the care of your flower beds. Always keep 

 the surface of the soil loose, then the water can enter 

 and the air penetrate. 



