Summary of objects and methods.—The object of this whole year's work is to show the beautiful inter-relation between insects and flowers. The studies must necessarily be made in the field. But many delightful lessons may be given on the structure of flowers, that make of greatest use to the flowers the work of insect visitors.
Eighth Grade.
The object of this year's work is the economic side of insect-study. Many pupils do not continue these studies to high school or college. Yet if they have homes with gardens or trees in city or country, they must learn to cope with the many insect enemies that feed upon cultivated plants. They should also learn to discriminate between insect friends and foes. They should learn the best methods of combating the foes and preserving the friends.
Explain first that in fighting an insect enemy we must know how it eats. If it inserts its beak in the stem of the plant there is no use trying to kill it by putting poison on the leaves.
Common Insect Foes.
To be studied in the schoolroom:
Fall work.—Codlin-moth. Insect Life, p. 180. Show work on an apple, and give methods of destroying it.
Plum curculio. Insect Life, p. 182.
The pomace flies. Insect Life, p. 184.
Scale insects. Manual for Study of Insects, pp. 165-174.