20 BULLETIN 305, U. S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. 
Examine the grains of corn (1) to note the damage done, and (2) 
to determine the density or firmness of the grains. Are the varieties 
prolific or large-eared or both? What variety seems most subject to 
the attack of the weevil? Do the farmers whose corn is attacked 
by weevils fumigate their cribs with carbon bisulphid ? 
Have members of the class bring to school sweet potatoes affected 
with dry rot. Examine them (1) to note the outside appearance, 
(2) the inside appearance, (3) the odor, and (4) the varieties affected. 
Are there any varietes not affected ? 7 
Seed potatoes should be carefully examined before being stored 
and then again before beg bedded for the purpose of removing all 
those that are diseased. Dry rot is caused by a germ and the pota- 
toes should be dipped in a formalin solution to kill the germs before 
being bedded in the spring. 
Practical work.—Getting facts with regard to birds, wild mammals, 
insects, and fungus diseases afford abundant practical work. Al! 
facts ascertained should be recorded in the class notebook. Separate 
books should be used for birds, animals, insects, and fungus diseases. 
Specimens of insects should be mounted and preserved for study. 
(See Farmers’ Bul. 606.) . 
Correlations.—Making records of the class studies and describing 
insects and fungus diseases and the damages done furnish material 
for written lessons. 
Drawing: Make drawings of weevils in different stages and the 
appearance of corn attacked by them. Also make drawings of 
potatoes showing their appearance when affected with dry rot. 
Geography: If a robin nests in New York State and spends the 
winter in Alabama, over what States must he pass in traveling from 
his summer to his winter home? About how many miles apart are 
his two homes ? 
History: Have members of the class prepare a written statement 
of the loss sustained at each home from dry rot with potatoes. This 
account should include such points as, when the disease first appeared, 
the extent to which it has developed, the loss in potatoes each year, 
and what attempt has been made to prevent it. In case there is no 
such disease at any of the homes let the account cover the same 
points with reference to weevils. 
Arithmetic: How many bushels of sweet potatoes have been 
harvested at the homes of the members of the class this month? 
About how many bushels had dry rot? At the present price of 
potatoes what is the loss to each home? To the community ? 
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