450 NATURE-STUDY 



Usefulness of the Toad.") (Birds in the Garden: 246, 

 "Common Birds;" 120, etc.) 



Plants. , 



General : Brief review of plant organs * as in Year III, 

 Spring. Some simple experiments on absorption by roots. 

 (222, 231, 196, 165.) Simple study of the relation of plants to 

 light, at least the necessity of light for life. Do some simple 

 experiments in raising seedlings * in and away from the 

 light, other conditions being the same. Note not only the 

 bleaching, but the spindling growth and final death. Why 

 do we place the school-room plants in the windows? (222, 

 228, 154, 156, 158, 196, 165.) Note growth of seedlings 

 toward the light,* the one-sided growth of plants not turned 

 in window. Some flower plans.* Using wild flowers, 

 illustrate and discuss polypetalous, tubular, and irregular 

 flowers — these terms need not be used. The idea is to be- 

 gin with a simple plan, and then to note the modifications 

 as shown in the other types. Make comparisons and trace 

 corresponding parts. Call attention to the beauty, sym- 

 metry, variety, color shadings, and contrasts, fragrance, 

 etc (152, 190, 193, 154, 158, 156.) 



Trees: Poplar, choke-cherry,* hawthorn,* sumach.* 

 (173, etc.) 



Trees in blossom * — not only the fruit trees (observe 

 beauty), but also the flowers of boxelder,* maples, cotton- 

 wood,* oaks, etc. Examine them in a general way. Learn 

 what a catkin is. Observe abundance of pollen in boxelder 

 and Cottonwood flowers. Shake them when ripe, and note 

 cloud of pollen. Also examine young cones and staminate 

 clusters of conifers. (173, etc., 156, 154, etc.) 



