92 
MANUAIy OF NATURE STUDY. 
How do the nodes compare in size to the inter¬ 
nodes ? 
3. Arrangement of leaves, whether opposite or 
alternate, and of what rank. Also, the peculiarity 
of the bases of the leaves. Notice that in these 
particulars these grains are nearly alike, and dif¬ 
fering only in size of stalk and manner of produc¬ 
ing fruit. 
Clover , of course, forms a conspicuous exception 
to the foregoing, as it belongs to an entirely differ¬ 
ent family, viz., pulse, and will have to be consid¬ 
ered separately. The others all belong to the 
grass-family. How does the termination of the 
stem of corn differ from that of wheat or oats? 
Where is the pistil of corn ? Where is the pollen? 
Compare each with the others as to root. Which 
is the best fitted for battle in life ? Why ? 
Next take up the seeds themselves and notice 
that all are covered with a transparent shell for 
protection. Note the color of each grain. 
Where is the starch located ? Why so much of 
it ? What part of the grain does the squirrel like 
best? Why? Find the little plantlet of corn. 
The plantlet of wheat. Soak the oats and timothy 
in warm water a few days, and point out the germ 
in each. How many ears of corn on a stalk? 
How many heads of wheat? Of oats? Of timothy? 
