74 NATURE STUDY 



velopment of the nuts, beginning with the three little 

 flowers in the prickly involucre, then the closed burrs, 

 and open burrs with one, two, and three nuts. 



Look at the inside and the outside of the burr. AVhat 

 difference in their texture, and why ? When is the burr 

 closed ? Why ? AVhen does it open ? Why ? Look at 

 this burr with only one nut, and at this with two. What 

 difference in the shape of the nut ? Why ? Look at 

 the burr with three nuts. Which is different from the 

 other two ? Why ? Distribute nuts. Can you tell 

 whether your nut was an only child, or whether it had 

 one or two brothers ? Why ? 



If we plant the nut, what may it become ? What 

 color is the coat ? What advantage is it to the nut to 

 be brown ? to be shiny ? to be thick ? Why is it better 

 for the nut to be quiet all winter, not even beginning to 

 grow until spring ? 



What is the meaning of the large scar ? What was 

 the slender tip ? What is inside the nut ? As they eat 

 it, tell them of its use in other countries. 



Wormy chestnuts, hektograph drawings of the chestnut- 

 borer and its grub, will be needed for a second lesson. 



How many find holes in their chestnuts ? Describe 

 it. Open your nuts. Who can tell what made the hole ? 

 Why do you think so ? What is the soft powder ? How 

 did the grub get in the chestnut ? How will he get out ? 

 Why does he want to get out ? What becomes of him 

 finally ? 



It may be desirable to give the children some idea of 

 the tree itself and its economic uses. This may best be 

 done by taking them to see a tree. The next best thing 

 is to bring them leaves and branches. 



Show them the wood and tell them of its uses. 



