NATURE STUDY MADE EASY 



37 



Now we must each meet the springtime 

 With a frost-bitten nose or an ear. 

 We shall sleep like all the sensible buds 

 When Winter comes round next year. 



ALICE GARY. 



LESSON XII 



LIFE HISTORY OF THE STRAWBERRY 

 \ 



What a luscious fruit is tHe ripe red straw- 

 berry ! 



In a wild state, its creeping vines cover the 

 hills and meadows, and the fruit makes welcome 

 food for the birds and insects. When culti- 

 vated, its pretty runners cover our gardens, and 

 its luscious berries give us a delicious dessert for our tables. 

 How does it grow? Let us follow its life history. 

 You may see the strawberry seeds in great numbers dotting 

 the red-cushioned fruit. They are hard and gritty. Inside each 

 is a baby strawberry plant. 



We do not often raise strawberries from 

 seeds, for they would take too long to grow. 

 The strawberry plant is generally propagated 

 by runners. 



As soon as the warm sun comes out, the 

 strawberry plant sends up its pretty three- 



FLOWER OF STRAW- 

 BERRY 



