AGRICULTURAL NATURE STUDY OUTLINES 
25 
or shaped like an umbrella. On the twigs look for buds, scars, and 
rings. How are buds arranged, opposite or alternate? Is there one 
at the end of the twig ? What will this become ? What will the side 
bud become? Watch growth of tree for answers. Watch for flowers 
of the maple. Distinguish between flowers that have stamens and 
those that have pistils which develop into fruit and seeds. After the 
flowers have disappeared watch the development of seeds. How do 
the seeds get away from the parent tree? 
Autumn Festival. —Plans for exhibition of best fruits of field, 
garden, and orchard in the schoolhouse. Review general directions 
given in previous grades. Appoint committees before school closes 
in the spring. Endeavor to enlist the cooperation of the patrons. 
3. Animal Life throughout the Year 
Insect life. —For help in insect study throughout the grades consult 
Essig’s Injurious and Beneficial Insects of California. See list on 
other pages. Also get help from the county horticulturist. Over 
forty counties now have such an officer. For this grade select one 
insect injurious to orchards, grapes, and berries, garden, forage crops, 
and ornamental plants. For illustration the Western Twelve-Spotted 
Cucumber Beetle (Essig, page 270). Watch for this insect in the 
garden. Describe its appearance. How easily recognized? Size. 
Search for its eggs. Appearance of the larvae. What is the life 
history of this beetle? How does it work? Where found? What 
plants does it eat? How control this pest? Give the spray formula. 
What natural enemies does it have? 
