seeds come up or after. Claw-hand
weeders are convenient for loosening the soil close to the plants, and
small-sized garden rakes can be used between the rows as soon as the
seedlings appear. It is always better to cultivate before the weeds get
a start, and thus prevent their growth. Usually the young plants will be
too thick in the row, so that thinning should be begun when the plants
are about two inches high. The edges of the plots should be kept
straight and the paths clean and level. Each plot should have a wooden
label bearing the owner's name or number and Form. The teacher is
referred to _Circular 13_ of the Ontario Department of Education,
_Elementary Agriculture and Horticulture_, for lists of seeds, tools,
etc.

GARDEN STUDIES

The pupils should be in the garden every day as soon as gardening
commences. In this way only will they be able to follow and appreciate
the whole life of the plant from seed to seed again. The teacher should
give a few minutes daily to receiving verbal reports from the pupils.
All new developments that the pupils notice should be reported for the
good of all. The teacher should make a practice of visiting the garden
for a few minutes daily before or after school, in order that he may be
in a position to direct the pupils in their studies in the garden. The
pupils should watch for the first appearance of the young plants above
ground, noting how they get through the soil, and the size, shape, and
colour of the first leaves. They can readily determine whether all of
the seeds grow. They will then watch for the opening of the second pair
of leaves and compare them with the first pair. They should report the
amount of growth made from day to day, and also what insect enemies
attack the plants, and what animals, such as toads and birds, are seen
during the season. They will also have occasion to note the effect of
rain and sun upon the soil and upon the plants. The first vegetables fit
for use and the first flowers in bloom will be reported. While they give
special attention to the development of the plants in their own plots,
they will of course observe what is going on in the garden generally.

Correlate with the interpretation of "The Seed" in _Nature in
Verse_.--Lovejoy. Silver, Burdett & Co., 60 cents.

WINDOW GARDEN

The pupils should plant some seeds in sand or moist sawdust in boxes or
pots in the school-room, so that they may be able to examine the
progress of germination.