FORESTRY IN NATURE STUDY. 7 



Winter and Spring Term. 



The tree in the forest Show the tree in its relation to other trees. The 

 struggle for existence. Why forest trees are tall, straight, and with limbless 

 trunks. Decaying trees. Fungi. Observe the forest as a whole during win- 

 ter and spring. The life of the forest. (Farmers' Bulletin 134, pp. 21-31, and 

 Farmers' Bulletin 173.) 



SEVENTH GRADE. 

 Fall Term. 



Succession of forest trees. Pure and mixed forests. Conifers in sandy soils 

 and on high altitudes. Deciduous trees demand better soils and more pro- 

 tected situations. Trees of the tropics. (Farmers' Bulletins 173 and 358.) 

 Winter Term. 



Study different kinds of wood and their uses and ranges. Collect specimens 

 of woods and prepare cabinets. If possible obtain specimens, about 6 inches 

 by 2 inches, one side showing quartered or radial section, another tangential 

 section, and the ends cross-sections. Have each specimen labeled with common 

 name, and statement of its commercial importance and uses, and of its range. 

 These subjects should be taken up in connection with woodworking or com- 

 mercial industries. 

 Spring Term. 



Effect of forests upon climate, temperature, changes of temperature, humid- 

 ity, rainfall. Forest as windbreaks. (Farmers' Bulletin 358. pp. 29-36. For- 

 est Service Circular 138.) 



EIGHTH GRADE. 



Effect of forest on fallen rain and snow: Retards evaporation and melting; 

 decreases surface run-off; thick vegetable humus of the forest floor absorbs 

 and holds water as a reservoir, and allows it to seep slowly into springs and 

 streams; forest tends to prevent and decrease floods, and to make stream-flow 

 regular. Forest takes up carbon dioxide; gives off oxygen; transpires water; 

 fixes shifting sands. Tree roots hold soil in place and prevent erosion on 

 slopes. Illustrate by photographs. Visit eroded fields and hillsides in neigh- 

 borhood. (Farmers' Bulletin 134, p. 27; Farmers' Bulletin 358; Forest Serv- 

 ice Circular 96.) 



