4. To stady ripening of pollen and stigma at different times, use 

 a-ocus (cultivated), common plantain. It will be of great interest to 

 the pupils if they are allowed to work out points under Nos. 3 and 4 

 for themselves. The material should be distributed, with only one 

 question — "Does any device exist for the prevention of self-pollina- 

 tion?" 



5. While drawing is not nature-work, it is an accessory to it, and 

 should be used wherever practicable, but never to the extent of ob- 

 scuring the real center of the work, which is the study of nature. The 

 drawing in nature-study is chiefly to be used as a convenient method 

 of making notes. 



Experimental : 



To show insect agency in pollination. 



When peas or beans are in blossom, cover some bunches of flowers 

 with mosquito netting in such a way as to exclude insects, yet admit 

 light. Note results from day to day. 



Try the same experiment upon apple, peach or strawberry blossoms, 

 and note results. 



If possible to have access to a field of red clover, enclose some 

 flower-heads before opening in mosquito netting, to prevent insect visi- 

 tation. Compare "netted" flowers with those that were left "un- 

 netted," as to setting of seed. 



These suggestions as to methods and experiments are only meant 

 to serve as hints to the busy teacher. If fuller details are desired by 

 any teacher into whose hands this leaflet falls, they will be cheerfully 

 given upon addressing the author. 



Finally, it must be remembered that in all this work the essential 

 feature is contact with the forms studied in their natural relations. 

 It is the living plant that is to be studied. The scholars should be 

 encouraged to collect their own material, to report upon facts they 

 have observed, and be made to feel that it is their work to find new 

 and interesting facts in nature about them. 



