EXERCISES FOR SOUTHERN RURAL SCHOOLS. 49 
MARCH. 
(Plate V.) 
FIRST AND SECOND GRADES. 
PLANTS. 
Continued work.—Window and porch boxes should receive careful 
attention. Water frequently with a sprinkler and do not let the 
surface soil bake. Early planted vegetables need attention. Stir 
the soil around the plants. See that plants are thinned to a proper 
stand. Continue the work of learning to recognize plants that are 
blooming. 
Do not permit the soil of flower beds and borders to bake. As soon 
as the surface soil dries after a hard rain, stir it gently with a hand 
rake. Keep grass and weeds removed. 
_ If any garden plants or flowers grow slowly, it will be well to 
make an application of liquid manure. To prepare liquid manure 
secure a barrel, tub or candy bucket, a fertilizer sack, and some barn- 
yard manure. Place manure in the sack equal to one-half the 
capacity of the vessel used, tie the mouth of the sack and place it in 
the vessel. Finish filling with water. The water in a few days 
becomes dark brown in color. Before using it dilute to a ight brown. 
As the liquid manure is removed add more water. 
Assigned work.—Sow pepper and tomato seeds in hotbeds or boxes. 
Water carefully. Germinating boxes may be made by following the 
directions for making window or porch boxes given in the January 
exercise. . 
Have pupils bring to the class a few radish, cabbage, lettuce, and 
garden pea plantlets. Have them name the parts—roots, stems, 
“leaves. Which part in each case is used for food? Why? Compare 
the roots, stems, and leaves as they appear now. 
Practical work.—Care for the plants growing in boxes and in the 
gardens. Keep records of work done. With the assistance of older 
pupils prepare some liquid manure. If the school has not a hotbed, 
Inake a germinating box for tomatoes and peppers. 
Correlations.—Language: Describe a germinating box. 
Drawing: Make outline«sketches of the plantlets studied, showing 
roots, stems, and leaves. 
ANIMALS. 
Continued work.—This is an interesting month with the birds. 
Transients are on their way north and the summer residents are put- 
ting in their appearance. Have the pupils make observations at 
home, on the way to school, and on the school grounds, and report 
the names of ali birds seen this month. Have the pupils describe 
