PLANTING AND CARE OF TREES 29 



tures are frequently mounted, Ivirkwood in Kature Study 

 Eeview for January, 1912, describes a method of mounting 

 specimens in large wooden frames, but if many cases are to be 

 stored or exhibited the surface dimensions as also the thickness of 

 the mounts must be kept within limits. 



Tree Study in Graded Schools — On account of their con- 

 spicuousness, accessibility, beauty and utility, trees have formed 

 an important element in outlines of nature study courses 

 recommended for elementary schools. Coulter & Patterson in their 

 Practical Nature Study, to mention but a single book, give valuable 

 suggestions on tree study with typical lesson plans and topical 

 outlines by grades and seasons. Farmer's Bulletin No. 468, en- 

 titled ''Forestry in Nature Study/' may be obtained free by address- 

 ing The Department of Agriculture, Washington, D. C, and should 

 be in the hands of every teacher interested in nature work. 

 This bulletin gives outlines for courses of study for the different 

 grades and a valuable list of supplementary reading and reference 

 books for nature study teachers together with a key to the more 

 common genera of trees based on leaf characters. In view of the 

 accessibility of this publication and the literature therein cited, it 

 would be inappropriate to enter into an extended discussion of the 

 place of tree study in the elementary schools. The present book 

 would draw attention to the fact that trees in winter are more 

 available for purposes of study than most have believed. The in- 

 terest shown by classes of summer school teachers in identifying 

 specimens of twigs collected the previous winter indicates that the 

 winter study of trees can be taken up with enthusiasm by teachers 

 in their schools. In our experience, the winter identification of 

 trees has proven to students one of the most interesting subjects 

 of their course. It is of decided value for its training in the power 

 of accurate observation. The work comes at a time when mate- 

 rial for natural history study seems scanty and might therefore be 

 used to bridge over the period between fall and spring which are 

 unfortunately considered by many the only seasons when study of 

 outdoor life is possible in the schools. 



The markings on a branchlet enable us to read a tree's name. 

 They may also give us a chapter in the tree's past history as is 

 shown on page 38. By placing twigs in water in tlie late winter 

 the bud may be forced and we may learn the future possibilities 



