LEAVES 67 



The Spruce, which is an evergreen, is practically naturalised. 

 So-called Christmas trees usually belong to this species. Its cones 

 are four or more inches in length, and the scales composing them 

 are papery. 



Miss Lulham, in her scheme of lessons drawn up for the Froebel 

 Educational Institute, has suggested the consideration of evergreens 

 and the way in which large masses of snow, such as would break the 

 branches, are prevented from accumulating upon them. Details 

 as to the way in which the leaves are placed, and the small surface 

 which they offer are those which may well be observed. 



Finally, the student should ask himself the question: "To 

 what is the fall of the le if due ? " If he has gained some knowledge 

 of the functions of the leaf, and notes the time at which the fall 

 begins in hot a.nd temperate climates, he will probably soon come to 

 the right answer. 



In this connection also the change of colour of leaves in autumn 

 should not be left unnoticed, although its explanation can hardly be 

 discovered without recourse to a microscope. Further enquiries into 

 the appearance and chemical nature of the colouring matter may 

 very well be pursued. 



