ves, for their edible seeds?

How are the edible parts stored for winter use?

Compare the plants that are crowded, with others of the same kind that
are not crowded.

Compare the rate of growth of the plants in a plot that is kept hoed and
raked with the rate of growth of plants in a neglected plot.

BULB PLANTING

The planting of bulbs in pots for winter blooming should be commenced
with pupils in Form I and continued in the higher Forms. As a rule, the
potted bulbs will be stored and cared for in the home, as most
school-rooms are not heated continuously during the winter. Paper-white
narcissus and freesia are most suitable and should be planted about the
fifteenth of October, so that the plants will be in bloom for Christmas.

LESSON ON BULBS AND BULB PLANTING

~Materials.~--The bulbs to be planted.

As many four-inch flower-pots or tomato cans as are required.

Soil, composed of garden loam, sand, and well-rotted manure in equal
proportions. Stones for drainage.

Sticks for labels (smooth pieces of shingle, one and a half inches wide
and sharpened at one end, will answer).

Pictures of the plants in bloom.

~Observations.~--The attention of the pupils is directed to the bulbs, and
they are asked to describe the size, form, and colour of each kind of
bulb.

A bulb is cut across to make possible the study of the parts, and the
pupils observe the scales or rings which are the bases of the leaves of
the plant from which the bulb grew. The use of the fleshy mass of the
bulb as a store of food for the plant that will grow from it is
discussed.

The sprout in the centre of the scales with its yellowish-green tip is
observed, and its meaning inferred.

The picture is shown to illustrate the possibilities within the bulb.

PLANTING THE BULB

The teacher directs, but the work is done by the pupils, and the reasons
for the following operations are developed:

What is the use of the one-inch layer of pebbles, or broken brick, or
stone, that is placed in the bottom of the pot?

Why are the bulbs planted near the top of the soil?

Why is the soil packed firmly around the bulbs?

Why must the soil be well wetted?

Why is the pot set in a cool, dark place for a month or more?

_To the teacher._--The pebbles or broken bricks are for giving drainage.
The bulbs are planted with their tips just showing above the surface of
the soil and there is about half an inch of space between the top of the
soil and