AGRICULTURAL NATURE STUDY OUTLINES 
17 
The Thistle .—Where do they grow? Are they alone or several 
together? How are the leaves arranged on the stem? Are they 
smooth or hairy on one side or on both sides? Where are the spines, 
around the margin of leaves or on the ribs and veins? Look at the 
edges of the leaves and tell what you see. How does the flower grow? 
Which open first, those at the top of the stalk or those lowest on the 
stalk? Do the row of flowers at the outer edge of the head open first 
or those at the center? Color of blossom? Any fragrance? What 
insects visit the thistle blossom ? How are the flower heads protected ? 
Carefully cut away the protection and note how the seeds are placed. 
Count the number of seeds in one head. Tell all that you can see 
about one seed. 
Wild flowers .—Enumerate the wild flowers of the district or 
vicinity that are going to seed when school opens; those that are in 
blossom during the autumn months. What are the prevailing colors 
of the autumn wild flowers ? Of those that blossom during the spring ? 
Collect wild flower seed for spring garden work. In fall and spring 
have wild flowers in the schoolroom (the blossoms). Teach pupils to 
collect a few only of each kind with as long stems as possible. Arrange 
in artistic mass effect in simple flower holders. Teach harmony of 
color. The same will apply, of course, to cultivated flowers. 
Nut trees .—Name all trees of orchard or forest whose nuts ripen 
in the fall. Have children appreciate the life and work of trees in 
general and the special value of nut trees for ornamentation and 
food. Bring samples of various nuts to school. If oak trees are near, 
bring in leaves as well as acorns. If the black walnut is available, 
make a special study of it. Put a few questions to stimulate observa¬ 
tion on the board and ask children to find the answers from observing 
