seasons. Take cuttings off the
old plants and then throw the latter away.

EVERGREENS

In December make a study of Canadian evergreens, choosing spruce,
balsam, and cedar, if available, or substitute hemlock for any one of
these.

Compare the general features of these trees, such as shape, direction of
branches, colour, persistence of leaves through the winter.

Have the pupils notice how nature fits these trees to endure the snows
and storms of winter by:

1. The tapering cone which causes the snow to slide off the tree.

2. The fine, needle-shaped leaves to which only very sticky snow will
adhere.

3. The very tough, flexible, and elastic branches, which bend in the
wind and under the weight of snow, but spring back to their old
positions.

4. The resin in leaves, stems, and buds, which enables the trees to
resist frost and rain.

Teach the pupils to distinguish these trees by their differences in
colour and form and also by the differences in their leaves and cones.

CLASS-ROOM LESSON

Distribute small twigs of balsam and require the pupils to observe and
describe the length, shape, and colour of the leaves.

Next distribute small twigs of spruce and require the pupils to compare
the spruce leaves with those of the balsam in length, shape, and colour.

Next distribute twigs of cedar and proceed similarly.

The cones may be dealt with in a similar manner. Require the pupils to
make a census of the evergreens of the locality, recording the class of
evergreen, the size, and the use of each kind for shade, ornament, or
for commercial purposes.

_To the teacher._--The balsam, spruce, and hemlock are difficult for the
beginner to distinguish, but this may be done by noting the following
points of difference in their leaves:

The leaf of the hemlock is the only one that has a distinct leaf-stalk.
Look for this tiny stalk.

The leaf of the hemlock, like that of the balsam, is flat, but the
hemlock leaf is much the shorter.

The leaf of the spruce is not flat, but is three-sided or nearly so. Its
colour is uniform, while the under surface of the hemlock leaf, and also
of the balsam leaf, is of a decidedly lighter colour than the upper
surface.

Note that the spruce _type_ is studied; no attempt is made at this stage
to differentiate the several species of spruce.

COLLECTION OF WOOD SPECIMENS

During the winter months the boys may prepare specimens of wood for the
school collection. These spec