LESSON ON BULBS AND BULB PLANTING
Materials.—The bulbs to be planted.
As many four-inch flower-pots or tomato cans as are required.
Soil, composed of garden loam, sand, and well-rotted manure in equal proportions. Stones for drainage.
Sticks for labels (smooth pieces of shingle, one and a half inches wide and sharpened at one end, will answer).
Pictures of the plants in bloom.
Observations.—The attention of the pupils is directed to the bulbs, and they are asked to describe the size, form, and colour of each kind of bulb.
A bulb is cut across to make possible the study of the parts, and the pupils observe the scales or rings which are the bases of the leaves of the plant from which the bulb grew. The use of the fleshy mass of the bulb as a store of food for the plant that will grow from it is discussed.
The sprout in the centre of the scales with its yellowish-green tip is observed, and its meaning inferred.
The picture is shown to illustrate the possibilities within the bulb.