A GRADED COURSE OF NATURE-STUDY 481 



Flowers: Refer to the pollination of grasses and grains, 

 including corn. Are their flowers large and pretty? (Same 

 as last.) 



Observe insects in roses, fruit tree blossoms, etc. Discuss 

 their work in pollinating. Dependence of the fruit crop 

 upon this. (238, page 289.) Compare the flowers* of 

 apple, plum, pear, cherry, and hawthorn, and note great 

 similarity. Family likeness. Also observe the pollination 

 in the sweet pea. Discuss the advantage of the peculiar 

 form in pollination. Similarly, discuss the pollination of the 

 Jack-in-the-pulpit * and the lady's-slipper.* Discuss the 

 meaning of color, nectar, fragrance, and peculiar form to the 

 flower — aids in insect pollination. Compare the appearance 

 of wind and insect pollinated flowers. Why do the latter 

 not need pretty flowers ? Make this all very simple. Illus- 

 trate with actual flowers and with drawings. (200, 193, 207, 

 156, 154, 158, 161, etc.) 



Flowers for identification and study: Ground plum,* 

 wild geranium,* lady's-slipper,* wild morning-glory, virgin's 

 bower. (168, etc.) 



Gardening: See Chapter XVI. Let this grade plan* 

 the whole school-garden as far as laying out the class plots 

 is concerned, each grade to divide up its own. Let these 

 children assist in spading, raking, fertilizing, etc. Lay out 

 beds — individual preferred. Keep a few general beds for 

 experimental work or ornamental plants. Decide upon the 

 vegetables and flowers to plant. See page 295. Then plant 

 or transplant when season allows. (240, 222, 224, 229, etc.) 



Remove mulch from beds, etc. Cultivate regularly. Ap- 

 ply the principles of plant growth learned in the school- 

 room. Study the weeds and injurious insects. Find reme- 



