ELEMEXTAKY EORESTRY 



381 



Fi 



;. Relation of Hvmus to 



Growth of Corn 



I. oliv subsoil: 2. s^^me \^':th fertilizer: 



;. same, with humus. 



i,Fho:og:r3ph by C. L, Goodrich) 



which proves that forest loam is 1 1 per cent \'egetable 

 matter. The soil from the barren tield ciid not burn anol, 

 on weighing-, we found 

 oci grams, g"i\-ing onl\" i 

 per cent organic matter. 

 Put the burned samples 

 a w a \- in d r \' bottles, 

 of clear glass and simi- 

 lar si;e and shape, for 

 the school collection. 

 These are valuable speci- 

 mens that tell a long 

 story. Compare again 

 as to color and composi- 

 tion, so far as this can be 

 done bv the unaided eve and bv feeling with the ringers. 

 Are the samples not more alike than before the\' were 

 burned .' 



Have a few of the class nil a series of iiowerpots or 

 bo.xes with different kinds of soil, as shown in Fig. i;;. 

 and in them plant corn or other seeds. This work mav 

 be varied in regard to soils and seeds planted. The plants 

 should stand together in one of the schoolroom windows, 

 where the\' may receive equal light and care. Observe 

 and possiblv measure the growth from time to time. 



^^'e have thus found that vegetable matter is the chief 

 constituent that makes the soil black and rich ; and we 

 know that this comes from falling leaves and twigs and 

 from decaving roots of the forest. How long does it take 

 the trees to make rich loam ? Ti the main, this is a ques- 

 tion that the children will not find time to answer. Thev 



