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30 UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA-EXPERIMENT STATION 
the seed. With the seed growing into plants and plants growing from 
the beet root throughout the season one may learn the life history of 
a beet. It takes two years for certain plants like the beet to go 
through all stages of life from seed to seed. Such a plant is called a 
biennial. Other biennials are turnips, cabbage, parsnips, carrot 
salsify, etc. 
Lawn grass .—Name different kinds of plants used in making a 
lawn—Kentucky blue grass, white clover, Australian rye grass, 
Bermuda grass, Lippia, etc. Dig ui) a small bunch, wash soil out, 
carefully note character of root growth. Notice small fibers and main 
root stock. Value of root stock during the dry season or winter. 
When rains begin what is the effect? Ways of starting some lawn 
grasses by seed and sod. 
Dandelion .—Notice plant in various stages of growth. Does it live 
through the winter? Biennial or perennial? Notice arrangement of 
leaves on plant just appearing above the surface of the ground. 
Where are the oldest leaves? The youngest? Dig up plants and get 
entire root. Compare it with roots of blue grass or some other plant. 
Advantage of the long fleshy tap root? Compare with the California 
Poppy in this respect. Pull the rosette or cluster of leaves apart and 
notice tiny flower buds. Study flower of the dandelion at different 
stages of growth, position, length of stem, etc. When does the flower 
close ? Is the flower a single or cluster ? Compare with other flowers 
studied. 
Weeds .—From list given on another page, select one, as the Wild 
Radish for example, and make a detailed study, using directions for 
