THK DANDEI,ION. 



a 



Pig. 2. The Dandelion; a, enlarijed view of a sing^le flower of dandelion, flower head 

 showing at 'he bottom the down on short stem on the top of the seed; b, enlarged view 

 of seed, balloon and its stalk cut away; c, ripened seed with balloon completed ready 

 to fly. 



as each umbrella opens out the seeds become very loosely attached, 

 and all is very ready for a puff of wind to blow them away. 



If all this is made out distinctly from material in hand, there 

 will be one good example clearly seen of a plant putting forth a 

 great deal of ingenious effort to scatter its seeds to the wind. 



After first lessons on the dandelion, the pupils may be set to 

 finding other seeds which have either similar or quite different 

 means of distribution. Have them gather these themselves and 

 explain from their own observation to the rest of the class the 

 method each seed employs. 



You will no doubt be surprised to see the number ot different 

 kinds that may thus be brought in, whether the school is in the 

 country or in the city. A collection can be made and arranged 

 for exhibition. But it is best that that disappear by the beginning 

 of another year, so that the new classes may begin afresh. 



Now, on your walk to seek a beginning lesson you may not 

 lind a dandelion, but you surely will find some plant which will 

 serve as well. There are several that have downy umbrellas which 



