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MANUAL OF NATURE STUDY. 
THIRD YEAR. 
A . —Plant Life. 
1. Lessons on Leaves .— a. Compare as to form, 
margin, variation, surface. Take a number of 
large leaves, as sycamore, maple, linden, catalpa, 
iron weed, thistle, morning glory, pond lilies, i 
beans, grass, etc. First classify on basis of general 
outline, viz.: — Linear, lanceolate, wedge-shaped, 
spatulate, ovate, obovate, kidney-shaped, orbicular, 
elliptical. Keep repeating this exercise in several 
lessons until the children are fairly well acquainted 
with the common forms. Let them find that the 
forms lanceolate, kidney form, heart shape and 
ovate are widest near the base and taper toward 
the apex; and that the forms spatulate, wedged 
shape and obovate are widest near the apex and 
taper toward the base, while the forms orbicular, 
oblong, elliptical, linear and oval are widest at the 
middle and taper equally toward apex and base. 
Make drawings of leaves, showing the several 
forms. As to margin compare the leaves of cherry, 
peach, grape, apple, elm, beach, hickory, clover, 
bean, violet, goldenrod, aster, oak, maple, etc. 
Which of these leaves have entire edges? Which 
serrate? Dentate? Crenate? Sinuate, etc? For 
meaning of these terms, the teacher may consult 
any good botany. 
