A GRADED COURSE OF NATURE-STUDY 433 



the plants there — palms, lilies, orchids, were brought from 

 the tropics. Read about the south-land where the birds 

 are. Describe the climate and vegetation. The fruits that 

 grow there — oranges,* lemons,* pine-apples,* bananas,* 

 cocoanuts.* How the natives get them. How they come 

 to us. Make a simple study of these fruits. (O, V, W.) 



Make a hst of, plants used for food, classified as fruit, nuts, 

 vegetables, grains, etc.; of plants that furnish us material 

 for clothing, of trees used for lumber. (S, N, O, P.) Make 

 a special study of flax. Have raw flax. Treat it for retting, 

 get out the fibre, spin, weave and dye it. (S, T.) 



Observe evergreens.* Review names. Note beauty, espe- 

 cially when grown in clumps or groves. Examine for birds- 

 nests. Observe the birds going to bed in the evergreens. 

 They are much used by birds for shelter. (L, 173, etc.) 

 The story of a pine -board, simply told. The carpenter. 

 Observe one at work. Note tools. (S, T.) 



Gardening: See work for Grade II. Window-cultures: 

 Ferns, asparagus, umbrella plant, tulips,* hyacinths * are 

 good for the window. Start spring cultures. Start pansy, 

 bachelor's button, marigold, etc. Plant pieces of potato with 

 eyes, and observe where the growth takes place. Discuss 

 use of potato to the plant. Keep these for later transplant- 

 ing. An interesting experiment in the North is raising a 

 cotton plant from the seed. Send for good seeds. Plant 

 early indoors and set out in garden later. (Chap. XVI, Q, 

 221, etc.) 



Spring 

 Animals. 



Birds: Early in spring begin to look for the returning 

 birds. Make a bird cailendar or book to record arrivals 



