GARDEN STUDIES
The observational studies suggested under this head for Form I will be followed also in Form II. The pupils of Form II will be expected to make more critical observations in connection not only with the plants growing in their own individual plots, but also with those plants which other pupils have been growing. They should give some attention also to the plants in the perennial flower border.
GARDEN RECORDS.
In this Form the pupils should begin to make garden records on such points as the following:
1. Description of the plant—size, habit of growth, kind of leaves and their arrangement, date of flowering, form, size and colouring of the flowers, points of merit or the reverse, description of the seed and how scattered, how disposed of, and the value.
2. The work done in the garden from day to day, with dates.
3. The effect of rain, drought, or other weather conditions on the growth of the plants.
4. What insects were seen visiting the flowers and what they were doing—whether beneficial or harmful.
5. What birds or other animals were found frequenting the garden. (See Animal Studies, pp. 30, 96, 217.)
6. What plants suffered from earliest frosts; what from subsequent frosts; what ones proved to be most hardy, etc.
7. What plants the pupils like most in the garden, and what ones seem to suit the soil and weather conditions best.
The pupils in this Form, by direct observation, should come to appreciate the development of the fruit and seed from the flower. Their work in seed selection, based upon the excellence of the flower, helps to ensure this line of observation.
CORRELATIONS
Art: Drawing of leaves, flowers, and vegetables, in colour when possible.
Arithmetic: Calculations as to dimensions, number of plants, number of flowers on a plant and seeds in a flower, value of products of flowers and vegetables. Cost of seeds, fertilizer, and labour, gross and net proceeds. Statement showing the above.
Composition: General connected account or story of the work done and the things learned during the season, as taken from the garden diary and from memory.
Exercises in writing and spelling, as suitable seat work.
Geography: Weather observations, as related to the garden work and to plant growth. Comparison of the soil of the garden with other samples from the district, as to composition and origin. Direction, as related to the paths or walks in the garden.
Map drawing: Plans of plots and of whole garden and grounds, represented on sand-table, paper, or black-board. Map drawing on a horizontal surface is best for the first year or two.
The products of the garden, as compared with home products, as food supplies for man and beast.
Manual Training: Making of seed envelopes and boxes, modelling in clay of fruits and vegetables.