EXERCISES FOR SOUTHERN RURAL SCHOOLS. 49 



MARCH. 

 (Plate V.) 



FIRST AND SECOND GRADES. 



PLANTS. 



Continued work. — Window and porch boxes should receive careful 

 attention. Water frequently with a sprinkler and do not let the 

 surface soil bake. Early planted vegetables need attention. Stir 

 the soil around the plants. See that plants are thinned to a proper 

 stand. Continue the work of learning to recognize plants that are 

 blooming. 



Do not permit the soil of flower beds and borders to bake. As soon 

 as the surface soil dries after a hard rain, stir it gently with a hand 

 rake. Keep grass and weeds removed. 



If any garden plants or flowers grow slowly, it will be well to 

 make an application of liquid manure. To prepare liquid manure 

 secure a barrel, tub or candy bucket, a fertilizer sack, and some barn- 

 yard manure. Place manure in the sack equal to one-half the 

 capacity of the vessel used, tie the mouth of the sack and place it in 

 the vessel. Finish filling with water. The water in a few days 

 becomes dark brown in color. Before using it dilute to a light brown. 

 As the liquid manure is removed add more water. 



Assigned work. — Sow pepper and tomato seeds in hotbeds or boxes. 

 Water carefully. Germinating boxes may be made by following the 

 directions for making window or porch boxes given in the January 

 exercise. 



Have pupils bring to the class a few radish, cabbage, lettuce, and 

 garden pea plantlets. Have them name the parts — roots, stems, 

 leaves. Which part in each case is used for food ? Why? Compare 

 the roots, stems, and leaves as they appear now. 



Practical work. — Care for the plants growing in boxes and in the 

 gardens. Keep records of work done. With the assistance of older 

 pupils prepare some liquid manure. If the school has not a hotbed, 

 make a germinating box for tomatoes and peppers. 



Correlations. — Language: Describe a germinating box. 



Drawing: Make outline sketches of the plantlets studied, showing 

 rod 3, stems, and leaves. 



ANIMALS. 



Continued work. -This is an interesting month with the birds. 

 Transients are on their way north and the summer residents are put- 

 ting in their appearance. Save the pupils mako observations at 

 home, on the way to school, and on the school grounds, and report 

 the names of .ill birds seen this month. Have the pupils describe 



