92 MANUAI, OF NATURE STUDY. 



How do the nodes compare in size to the inter- 

 nodes ? 



3. Arrangement of leaves, whether opposite or 

 alternate, and of what rank. Also, the peculiarity 

 of the bases of the leaves. Notice that in these 

 particulars these grains are nearly alike, and dif- 

 fering only in size of stalk and manner of produc- 

 ing fruit. 



Clover, of course, forms a conspicuous exception 

 to the foregoing, as it belongs to an entirely differ- 

 ent family, viz., pulse, and will have to be consid- 

 ered separately. The others all belong to the 

 grass-family. How does the termination of the 

 stem of corn differ from that of wheat or oats? 

 Where is the pistil of corn ? Where is the pollen? 



Compare each with the others as to root. Which 

 is the best fitted for battle in life ? Why ? 



Next take up the seeds themselves and notice 

 that all are covered with a transparent shell for 

 protection. Note the color of each grain. 



Where is the starch located ? Why so much of 

 it ? What part of the grain does the squirrel like 

 best? Why? Find the little plantlet of corn. 

 The plantlet of wheat. Soak the oats and timothy 

 in warm water a few days, and point out the germ 

 in each. How many ears of corn on a stalk? 

 How many heads of wheat? Of oats? Of timothy? 



