EXERCISES FOR SOUTHERN RURAL SCHOOLS, 9 
Review.—Review the pupils of this grade on the plant population 
of the community. They should be able to recognize at sight those 
_ plants that have been studied by pupils of the lower grades. 
New assignment.—Give special attention to orchard and forest 
trees. Locate and name those that are ripening fruit or maturing 
seed. Having listed and located the foregoing designated plants, 
study them to be able to answer the following questions: What are 
the parts of the trees? In what location—hill, hollow, swamp, 
ledge of rock—do they flourish? What are the uses of the wood, 
sap, fruit, seed ? 
For study throughout the year select a striking tree of economic 
importance on or near the school yard and begin this month to 
make observations, take notes, and make drawings along the lines 
indicated by the following: (1) Outline drawing, accompanied by 
written description of the tree as it appears this month; (2) outline 
of a small branch, showing how leaves are attached—long or short 
stem, opposite or alternate; (8) outlines of leaves, with descriptions 
to show the relative sizes of leaves from different parts of the tree. 
Show the color of upper and lower surfaces, the arrangement of 
veins, and the kind of margin. (The foregoing should be followed 
throughout the year in the study of the tree selected.) 
Practical exercises.—Collecting and mounting leaves, seed, and 
small specimens of wood of the trees being studied this month and 
learning to identify them should constitute a part of the practical 
work. (See Farmers’ Bul. 586.) 
A large chart should be prepared and placed in a conspicuous 
place on the wall of the school for recording (phenological) observa- 
tions. Its purpose should be explained, and the pupils of all grades 
_ should be encouraged to assist m gathering data. (For sample chart 
and explanation see Appendix.) 
Every pupil of this grade should have a garden either at school or 
at home. Gathermeg vacation crops, clearing away rubbish, prepar- 
ine and fertilizing the soil, and planting fall and winter crops should 
occupy the attention of the pupils. Crops should be planted that 
can be consumed or gathered in time for planting early spring gar- 
dens. (For suggested crops see Appendix.) 
Correlations.—Language: Write descriptions covering practical 
exercises with plant studies. 
Drawing: Make drawings of the specimens of wood collected. 
Colored crayons should bo used to indicate proper shade of the dif- 
ferent parts of the wood. 
Geography: Make an outline map of the school district and indi- 
cate the locations of orchards and considerable groups of forest trees 
- that have been given special attention this month. 
0394°—Bull. 305—15——-2 
