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: