20 BULLETIN 305, U. S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. 



Examine the grains of corn (1) to note the damage done, and (2) 

 to determine the density or firmness of the grains. Are the varieties 

 prolific or large-eared or both ? What variety seems most subject to 

 the attack of the weevil? Do the farmers whose corn is attacked 

 by weevils fumigate their cribs with carbon bisulphid? 



Have members of the class bring to school sweet potatoes affected 

 with dry rot. Examine them (1) to note the outside appearance, 

 (2) the inside appearance, (3) the odor, and (4) the varieties affected. 

 Are there any varietes not affected ? 



Seed potatoes should be carefully examined before being stored 

 and then again before being bedded for the purpose of removing all 

 those that are diseased. Dry rot is caused by a germ and the pota- 

 toes should be dipped in a formalin solution to kill the germs before 

 being bedded in the spring. 



Practical work. — Getting facts with regard to birds, wild mammals, 

 insects, and fungus diseases afford abundant practical work. All 

 facts ascertained should be recorded in the class notebook. Separate 

 books should be used for birds, animals, insects, and fungus diseases. 



Specimens of insects should be mounted and preserved for study. 

 (See Farmers' Bui. 606.) 



Correlations. — Making records of the class studies and describing 

 insects and fungus diseases and the damages done furnish material 

 for written lessons. 



Drawing: Make drawings of weevils in different stages and the 

 appearance of corn attacked by them. Also make drawings of 

 potatoes showing their appearance when affected with dry rot. 



Geography: If a robin nests in New York State and spends the 

 winter in Alabama, over what States must he pass in traveling from 

 his summer to his winter home ? About how many miles apart are 

 his two homes ? 



History: Have members of the class prepare a written statement 

 of the loss sustained at each home from dry rot with potatoes. This 

 account should include such points as, when the disease first appeared, 

 the extent to which it has developed, the loss in potatoes each year, 

 and what attempt has been made to prevent it. In case there is no 

 such disease at any of the homes let the account cover the same 

 points with reference to weevils. 



Arithmetic: How many bushels of sweet potatoes have been 

 harvested at the homes of the members of the class this month? 

 About how many bushels had dry rot? At the present price of 

 potatoes what is the loss to each home ? To the community ? 



