or special study, and the following are
recommended: annuals--sweet-pea, pumpkin, and corn; biennials--cabbage,
parsnip, and carrot; perennials--dahlia, rhubarb, and couch-grass.

It is desirable that the observations be made upon the plants in the
garden, but they may be conducted in the class-room upon specimens
brought into the room by the pupils.

SWEET-PEA

Examine the stem of the sweet-pea and describe its form, its uniform
slender structure, and the fact that it climbs. Find out just how it
climbs. The pupils will observe the tendrils, which are extensions of
the midribs of the leaves.

Describe the leaves, noting what is meant by calling them _compound_.

Observe the position of the flower, its colours, odour, size, and form.
What insect does it resemble in shape? What different features of the
flower enable it to attract attention?

The names and uses of the floral organs may be taught to this class. For
example:

Pupils find the green blanket that protects the bud. This is the
_calyx_.

The beautiful, attractive part is the _corolla_.

The parts that produce the pollen are called _stamens_.

The case that holds the seeds is the _pistil_.

Examine flowers of different ages and trace the change from the minute
pistil to the pod.

Study, comparatively, the flowers of the field-pea, bean, or wild vetch.

Select a few of the finest blossoms of the sweet-pea and put tags on
them while they are still in bloom. When they ripen, collect the seeds
and preserve them for spring planting.

Conduct observation lessons on the pumpkin and corn, in which the pupils
will discover such facts as those given below.

PUMPKIN

Notice the method of growth--the stem no stronger than that of the
sweet-pea, but lying flat on the ground. Notice the little roots sent
out here and there where the stem touches the ground. This gives extra
nourishment. The leaves are not numerous and grow only in one direction,
but are very large--entirely too large to be borne upon an upright stem.
Notice the large funnel-like flowers and that not all of them set fruit.
Examine the flowers. Some of them have stamens for producing pollen, but
no pistil. These never produce fruit, for pumpkins are simply enlarged
and ripened pistils. Look for insects and examine them to find out
whether they are carrying pollen. Notice younger pumpkins and even
blossoms toward the end of the vine. Pick all the blossoms and small
pumpkins off a vine, leavi