154 NATURE-STUDY LESSONS. 



weigh it. From this determine the quantity and propor- 

 tion of inorganic matter in the soil. 



9. Determine the properties and proportion of the 

 organic matter in the soil as outlined in the lesson on 

 " Clay and Sand." 



10. (a) From the soil as mixed in No. 5, take enough 



to fill one-third of a tall, wide-mouthed glass 

 vessel. Fill the vessel nearly full with water. 

 Stir thoroughly and shake. Set the vessel 

 aside to settle. 

 (jb) Observe the material floating on the water and 



the layers forming the sediment, 

 (tr) Investigate the nature of the " scum." 

 {d) Syphon off the water. Obtain samples from 

 the upper, middle and lowest layers of the 

 sediment. Dry each and examine to find 

 differences in color and texture. 



11. («) Infer the effects of heavy rains upon soils. 



ip) Infer differences between hill-side soils and 

 adjacent-valley soils. 



12. («) Take a sample from the lower layers and while 



stirring it allow water to run over it until 



the water runs off clear. 

 (J?) Describe the earth remaining. 

 (c) What constituents have you found in the soil 



you have examined } 



XLII.-CLAY AND SAND. 



I. {a) Moisten some sand and clay. Form two sets 

 of objects, as balls, cubes and cups, one from 

 the sand and the other from the clay. Place 

 these in the sun or near the stove and observe 

 the effect of drying. 



