Syndesmon thalictroides is described in Britton & Brown’s Flora as having sessile involucral leaves, which character is contradicted in the plants growing in the vicinity of Toledo. Careful observation during the past season fails to reveal a single instance of sessile involucral leaves, and most of the specimens examined have these leaves borne on petioles from one-fourth to one-half inch in length. Should like to hear from others concerning this feature of one of our most beautiful and dainty spring flowers.
Toledo, Ohio.
COMPETITION IN BOTANY FOR OHIO SCHOOLS.
W. A. Kellerman.
Whatever may contribute to a more direct and real study of the plant kingdom on the part of the pupils can well be encouraged by the teacher. It is an unfortunate fact that in reference to a course in botany the notion largely prevails that it consists of lesson-work with a text-book like a course in history or algebra. It is often more dreaded than the latter because of the supposed necessity of learning a long list of difficult technical terms. Few teachers would be willing to give up the use of the text-book entirely and it is not at all necessary that they should. But every teacher can now choose a modern book of botany from the fairly long list that is offered by American publishers. These are not mainly terminology nor written with the chief aim of enabling the pupil, after having gone through a sufficient number of chapters, to “analyze” flowers. Many of them unfortunately provide no means of identifying the native plants as a part of a school course, but teachers are not left without choice of a good book after such ultra ones are thrown out of the list.
The text of an elementary book on botany should contain the important facts and principles of the science, and give a brief but comprehensive idea of the plant kingdom, in simple and plain language. An intimation and partial elucidation of means and methods employed to test or to verify the principles and inferences should be evident in the text. But this of itself is not sufficient for pedagogical purposes; there should be besides practical work provided, regular in time, ample in amount, that may train in the exercise of observation, experimentation and judgment.
I have for years devoted one-half the time of the botanical courses, both elementary and advanced, to such real work carried on partly in the laboratory, partly in the field. Besides courses here referred to others devoted wholly to laboratory, experimental or observational work are provided; but it is not my purpose to discuss these now. Neither is it necessary to give here a detailed outline of the practical work that should constitute a substantial portion of the elementary work for beginners. Those who wish to use such a simple yet ample course in the public schools can consult the “Practical Studies in Elementary Botany” published by Eldredge & Bro., Philadelphia, Pa.
But I desire to say in this connection that more real work on the native flora than is attempted even by able and enthusiastic teachers in Ohio schools would undoubtedly be advisable. I have outlined some competition work and submitted it to some of the schools looking to more interest in elementary practical work in this science. It has been urged that the project might be made more widely known to our Ohio schools with possible advantage, and therefore I have furnished, though with some misgivings, the following statement of this scheme.
Either of the following subjects may be selected: Mosses, Lichens, or Trees; the work to conform to the suggestions and directions given below. The Report of the work must be completed on or before May 15, 1901, and submitted to the Teacher of Botany, or person (or persons) designated by him, who—taking into account both the quality and quantity of the work—will forward, if worthy, the best report accompanied by the illustrative material, to the undersigned; whereupon the latter will, on or before May 31, send as a reward to the author of said report a copy of the Ohio Naturalist Vol. 1.
Pupils now studying, or those who have formerly studied, botany are eligible to enter the competition. No award will be made unless at least two or three pupils undertake the work; it is hoped that every member of the class will compete.