134 NATURE TEACHING. 



planted into the boxes, put in each the same 

 number of seedlings, as far as possible equal 

 in size and vigour. Care is just as necessary 

 here as in arranging the boxes at first. The 

 ideal to aim at is to have the boxes or plots 

 exactly alike in everything except the actual 

 manure added. Make and record observations 

 during the growth of the crops, noting : the 

 general vigour and character of the plants in 

 each box, their times of flowering and any 

 other points. When they are mature dig up 

 and weigh the whole crops. Compare the crops 

 of the different boxes. 



LEGUMINOUS PLANTS. 



1. Sow in boxes or in plots, seeds of 

 various plants of the leguminous order, for 

 instance various kinds of beans, cow peas, etc. 

 (Those sown in the experiment described on 

 page 23, will probably be at hand and if so 

 may well be examined now.) When the plants 

 have become well developed carefully dig 

 them up, wash their roots, and examine for 

 nodules. These appear as swellings varying in 

 size, some being perhaps as large as a pea. 

 Also, dig up and examine for nodules, any 

 leguminous plants found growing wild. Many 

 may be recognised by the great resemblance 

 of their flowers to those of the garden peas 



