FEBRUARY 163 



oil and oily foods ? Why does the peanut have oil in its 

 seed leaves ? Its seed leaves are also full of starch. Do 

 we use starch for food ? In what form ? 



Why does the mother plant provide the Ijaby with so 

 much food ? Do you see now how it is that seeds Avill 

 grow for a long time, apparently with only water to 

 nourish them ? 



Who else likes the food of the peanut ? Tell me some 

 other seeds that are good to eat. 



In the second and third years, teach also the iodine 

 test for starch. 



Distribute soaked peas, beans, or corn. Tell the chil- 

 dren to break them open so as to expose a rough surface. 

 Pass up and down the aisles, putting a drop of the tinct- 

 ure of iodine, by means of a glass rod or small brush, on 

 the seeds, and telling the children to watch closely the 

 result. They ought to be able to tell you that the liquid 

 turns the seeds blue or black ; that this was not a solid 

 color, but in numerous small dots. 



Ask the name of the liquid, and tell them that it has 

 the power to turn starch blue. What is there in this 

 seed ? How is it arranged ? 



Test wheat in the same way. It also contains starch. 

 But it has also another and more valuable food, which 

 can be discovered by first getting rid of the starch. Let 

 them chew a handful of wheat until it is gummy. Wash 

 away thoroughly all the starch. Test with iodine. This 

 is gluten. 



Encourage the children to test for the food-supply of 

 the seeds by themselves. 



Valuable language lessons may be given on commercial 

 seeds and fruits. 



