226 GARDENS AND THEIR MEANING 



V. Drainage 



Materials. Two flowerpots with soil, two pots in which gera- 

 niums or other plants are growing, two dishes containing water. 



Directions. Set one pot containing a geranium in a dish of water. 

 Plant corn in two pots and stand one of these in a dish of water. 

 Keep water constantly in the dishes under the two pots indicated, 

 and water the remaining two pots in the usual way. Note the effect 

 of the excess of water both on the geraniums and on the germina- 

 tion and growth of the corn. In two weeks empty both pots con- 

 taining the corn and examine the roots of each. 



In which of the pots containing corn do the roots go the deeper .' 

 What is the effect of flooding on field crops ? on trees ? 



VI. Effect of Oxygen on Germination 



Materials. Saucers, window glass, sand, clay, beans. 



Directions. Fill one saucer with sand and one with clay that has 

 the consistency of putty. The putty condition of clay may be ob- 

 tained by working over the clay in the hands with water. Plant 

 10 seeds in each saucer. Moisten the sand and press the putty- 

 like clay closely over the beans. Cover each saucer with a pane of 

 glass and put them in a warm place in the room. At the end of 

 three or four days examine the seeds. 



VII. Vitality of Seeds 



Materials. Box 4 inches deep and 1 2 inches square ; some 

 wheat, oats, or other seeds, and sand. 



Directions. Pick out 1 2 large and 1 2 small seeds each from the 

 wheat and oats. Plant in sand, cover the wheat slightly and stick 

 the oats into the soil point down, so that the top comes even with 

 the surface of the soil. Sprinkle a little sand over the top, and water 

 moderately from time to time. When the seeds germinate, note the 

 relative quickness of the two different lots in germinating. Measure 

 the height of each plant, and record as in the corn exercise. 



