156 NATURE STUDY LESSONS FOR PRIMARY GRADES 



it grows under the ground what name might we give 

 it? (An underground stem.) 



How did the little leaves look when they started 

 up from this stem to get a peep into the great world, 

 where they were to make ready a home for the 

 flowers ? Here are some on this plant which I took 

 up. (The stalk sticks its back up through the ground 

 first, as if to make way for the little leaf blade. Then 

 it comes through with the blade bent over so as to 

 lie close to the upper part of the stalk.) Look 

 closely at the little leaves. (They are rolled tightly 

 from both edges toward the midrib so as to get 

 through the ground without being torn or broken.) 

 And does it unroll suddenly? Notice the bases of 

 the half-grown leaves. 



What shape is the leaf ? Draw it on the board. 

 Does the shape of the leaf help it any after it is 

 grown ? [Sprinkle some water on a leaf of a grow- 

 ing plant. It is well to have some growing in boxes 

 in the house.] What do you see? (The water 

 gathers in the center of the leaf and runs down the 

 little trough in its stalk.) Is that well or not? (It 

 carries the water directly to the roots, where it is 

 needed.) What does the water do? (Dissolves 

 solid food which it finds in the earth, then is taken 



