1 64 NATURE STUDY AND AGRICULTURE 



kind that are studied at school. If you live in a prairie 

 region, start the children to investigate how the trees came 

 to be where they are. Try to discover the age of some 

 of the largest trees in the district. Who set them out? 

 How many different kinds of trees are there in the dis- 

 trict ? Are there any trees scattered about here and there 

 that were not set out by anyone ? Cottonwoods, willows, 

 box-elders, and elms are frequently found along ditches or 

 fences or in the field. How did they come here ? Did the 

 children ever see any of the cotton with the tiny seeds 

 attached that fly from the cottonwoods and willows in the 

 middle of the summer? 



If you live near a woods then study the native trees. 

 Select a special tree for the first detailed study, as an oak, 

 a hickory, or a beech. Note shape of the tree, method of 

 branching, appearance and color of bark. Is there more 

 than one kind of oak ? The shape of the oak leaves helps 

 to distinguish one kind from another. There are two 

 general shapes of oak leaves. One has the lobes rounded, 

 the other has lobes that are sharp and pointed. The 

 white bur and chestnut oaks have rounded lobes; while 

 black, red, pin, and scarlet oaks have pointed lobes. 

 Note the color of the leaves above and below. Are they 

 all equally smooth and shiny on botn sides ? 



Are there any acorns on the trees? Where are they 

 situated; on this year's twig or last year's? Have the 

 acorns stems or do they grow very close to the twig? Is 

 the saucer shallow or deep ? Open an acorn and see what 

 is inside. Are any of the acorns good to eat ? Those of 

 the white and chestnut oaks are relished by many people. 

 Plant some acorns. 



