136 NATURE STUDY AND AGRICULTURE 



extending above it. Have children estimate by counting 

 the number of flowers in three or four clusters about how 

 many flowers one plant will produce. If each flower makes 

 one seed, how many seeds will one plant produce ? How 

 long after the flowers begin to open until the seeds are ripe ? 

 How does this compare with other plants you know? 

 What is the position of the stem with the ripe fruit on it ? 

 What advantage in its standing so tall and straight? 

 Examine the fruit. What part of the flower has opened 

 up into the parachute? What has become of the seed? 

 What scatters the seeds of this plant ? 



Experiments. — These should begin with the first lessons 

 in early spring. Cut off the leaves of a dandelion rosette, 

 leaving the center uninjured. Cut another a little below 

 the surface of the ground. Cut a third about three inches 

 below the surface of the ground. Have the children try 

 these experiments at home as well as at school and report 

 results. They will find that unless the plant is cut off far 

 below the surface it will continue to grow. Have them 

 decide whether or not a lawn mower will kill dandelions, 

 or whether ordinary methods of weeding will do it. Plant 

 a few seeds to determine whether or not they grow the first 

 season. Study a path or some spot that has been trampled 

 upon to decide which can stand trampling better, blue- 

 grass or dandelion. 



WATER BEETLES.— Sixth Grade 



Water beetles are found in abundance in ponds and 

 pools. They may be obtained by scooping up with a dip 

 net, or long-handled dipper, the vegetable matter from the 



