ach plant.

FLEA-BEETLES

The turnip flea-beetle quickly destroys young plants of the cruciferae
family by eating their leaves. Paris-green, one part to twenty parts of
pulverized gypsum (land plaster) dusted on the plants while damp, helps
to destroy these insects.

_To the teacher._--When pupils who are absent find it impossible to give
the necessary attention to their garden plots at school, they should
turn them over to other pupils or to the teacher, who may at his own
discretion use the produce for purposes of general garden revenue.

SEED GERMINATION

The seeds for the garden should be purchased quite early in the spring.
As the planting of poor seed is often the cause of much disappointment,
it is well to test the germinating power of the different varieties to
be planted. The pupils of this Form should test especially those
varieties which they have chosen. To do this, place about twenty-five
seeds in a germinating dish, which may be made as follows: Take a deep
plate, such as a soup plate, fill it about half full of moist sand, and
spread over this a piece of moist cloth. Put the seeds upon this cloth
and cover them with a second piece of damp cloth or moss. To prevent
drying out invert over it another plate and set all in a warm dry place
(about 70 to 80 degrees F.). After a few days count the number of seeds
that have germinated. This will be a guide in planting as to how thick
the seed should be sown.

The pupils should watch the development of germinating grains, such as
corn and beans, germinated in the same way as in the last exercise. The
following points may be observed:

1. The first change noticed. (Swelling of the seed)

2. The appearance of a growing shoot and its direction. (Root)

3. The second shoot and its direction. (Stem)

4. The appearance of the first pair of leaves.

5. The appearance of root-hairs and rootlets.

6. What becomes of the main body of the seed.

7. How the second pair of leaves differs from the first pair.

8. Length of time required to produce the first pair of leaves.

Pupils may be taught the conditions that are necessary for the
germination of seeds by means of a few simple experiments which can be
carried on in the school-room.

1. In February, plant a few seeds of the pea, or oat, or wheat, in a box
of soil, and place the box outside the school window.

2. In April, plant a few seeds similar to those used in No. 1, in a box
of perfectly dry soil, an