MARCH 169 



Have you gained this yourself, even ? Look back over 

 your work, see where and why you have failed. Use to 

 the best advantage the remaining months. Take the 

 children out of doors, if only for a few moments, every 

 day that you can, and take them always with a definite 

 purpose. 



PLANTS 

 Buds : 



In early March gather a large handful of buds on 

 branches not less than eight inches in length. Get as 

 many different kinds as possible. Cherry, horse-chest- 

 nut, tulip, poplar, lilac. North Carolina poplar, willow, 

 are particularly desirable. 



In cutting these from the tree, use pruning scissors, or 

 a knife, and do not take more than a branch from any 

 one part of the tree. Be especially careful not to spoil 

 the horse-chestnut, because the whole year's growth of 

 the branch is wrapped up in the large and very enticing 

 terminal bud. 



Pruning scissors are worth buying, since they cost only 

 fifty cents, and save a vast amount of strength and tem- 

 per, both in securing the buds and caring for them after- 

 wards. 



Cut off the ends of every branch under warm water. 

 When finished, keep the jar where it is warm, and, if 

 you choose, add warm water each day. Renew the water 

 at least once a week, cutting off a piece of the stem at 

 the same time. 



The Horse-chestxut : 



The bud of the horse-chestnut is very sticky, a wise 

 provision against the rains of winter. It is covered with 



