MANUAL OF NATURS STUDY. 117 



ones, to show tlie condition of the seed when it be- 

 gins to grow. What are the dangers to which the 

 seed is subject? What is the use of the hull on 

 the hickory nut? The pod on the chestnut? 

 What is the condition of the seeds when they are 

 ^ ready to burst from the pod? See hickory nut, 

 chestnut, hazel nut, beech nut, pea, bean, locust 

 seed, and the seeds from any other pods. What 

 then can be the use of the pod ? 



4. Purpose of Plant, a. Reproductive, to pro- 

 duce seed. b. Commercial ; use to man. 



Let the pupils make a list of vegetables ajad 

 plants that have commercial value. — The commer- 

 cial value is always based upon use to man. The 

 turnip, cabbage, potato, radish, and other fleshy 

 vegetables and roots, will be mentioned. Why did 

 these plants produce such fleshy vegetables ? The 

 turnip next year will produce seed. In the pro- 

 duction of seed, the great mass of starchy material 

 is absorbed, thus leaving in place of the turnip, 

 a tough leathery shell. How was the turnip 

 produced this year ? What will the turnip produce 

 next year? What then is the real fruit of the 

 turnip plant ? What must be the purpose of the 

 plant? To reproduce itself by means of its seed. 

 What we know as turnip is a great store house 

 from which to draw supplies for the seed factory 

 next year. What we know as cabbage is simply a 



