144 NATURE STUDY LESSONS FOR PRIMARY GRADES 



instead of at the top? (The rain cannot get in to 

 spoil the nectar and the pollen.) 



(d) The development from bud to blossom. How 

 is the bud protected? Are these sepals of any use 

 to the flower after it blossoms? Of what use? 

 In which is the stem longer, the full-sized blossom 

 or the tiny bud ? Can you think of any reason for 

 the longer stem of the blossom ? (To attract bees, 

 the blossom must be well above the leaves. The 

 bud has nothing to offer to the bees and humming 

 birds.) 



(e) The development from flower to fruit. Notice 

 all the changes in the flower, — the drying up of 

 the petals and the sepals and the falling of the same ; 

 the growth of the inside of the flower — the ovary 

 — until it finally matures, and turns brown. Where 

 did you find the blossom, above or below the leaves ? 

 Where do you find the ripened seeds? How did 

 they get down there? (The children will notice 

 that the stem has twisted, in a curious way, so as 

 to bring the seed pod under the leaves.) Can you 

 think of any reason for this ? (Perhaps it is to make 

 room for the flowers, or to protect the seeds from the 

 rain and the sun and from enemies that might like 

 to eat them.) Taste of one of the seeds not yet 



