BENEFICIAL INSECTS 



229 



material for an instructive demonstration. In higher 

 grades, something of the same kind may be done by 

 way of testing different specimens, to see if the pupils 

 can distinguish the aroma of the flower from which the 

 honey is made, comparing 

 pure honey with a sample of 

 some adulterated honey that 

 may have found its way into 

 the neighboring stores. 



The next series of lessons 

 may well be directed to dis- 

 covering the influence of bees 

 on the pollination of flowers 

 and fruits. Select, or raise 

 in the school garden, two 

 similar clumps of white or 

 alsike clover. To study the 

 work of bumblebees red 

 clover may be used. Cover 

 one clump with netting be- 

 fore any of the blossoms open, 

 leaving the other uncovered. 

 Have some one appointed to 

 save and count all the heads 

 that mature in each clump; 

 carefully thresh out the seeds 

 and put up in two vials, properly labeled .^ 



Any other flowers that are of interest in the locality 

 may be treated in the same way ; at least, a number of 



1 If crimson clover is used, the whole experiment may be completed in 

 the spring term. 



Fig. 96. Honeybees 

 a, worker ; b, queen ; c, drone. 



