MANUAL OF NATURE STUDY. 
117 
ones, to show the condition of the seed when it be¬ 
gins to grow. What are the dangers to which the 
seed is subject? What is the use of the hull on 
the hickory nut? The pod on the chestnut? 
What is the condition of the seeds when they are 
f ready to burst from the pod? See hickory nut, 
chestnut, hazel nut, beech nut, pea, bean, locust 
seed, and the seeds from any other pods. What 
then can be the use of the pod ? 
4. Purpose of Plant . a. Reproductive, to pro¬ 
duce seed. b. Commercial; use to man. 
Let the pupils make a list of vegetables and 
plants that have commercial value.—The commer¬ 
cial value is always based upon use to man. The 
turnip, cabbage, potato, radish, and other fleshy 
vegetables and roots, will be mentioned. Why did 
these plants produce such fleshy vegetables ? The 
turnip next year will produce seed. In the pro¬ 
duction of seed, the great mass of starchy material 
is absorbed, thus leaving in place of the turnip, 
a tough leathery shell. How was the turnip 
produced this year ? What will the turnip produce 
next year? What then is the real fruit of the 
turnip plant ? What must be the purpose of the 
plant? To reproduce itself by means of its seed. 
What we know as turnip is a great store house 
from which to draw supplies for the seed factory 
next year. What we know as cabbage is simply a 
