THE SCHOOL GARDEN.

Press, Volume LXII, Issue 18635, 9 March 1926, Page 6

THE SCHOOL GARDEN.

The education syllabus makes compulsory in all schools the teaching of elementary science, -which includes home science for girls. In this district, agriculture, otherwise school gardening, is compulsory in all schools of Grade 111. and upwards. The inspectors, it may be noted, are in favour of garden work at all schools. In teaching the subject there are several main aims to be kept in view, and may be listed in the teachers' scheme book as under:—(l) As a Nature study subject bearing on the growth and structure of plants with the object of cultivating habits of observation and reflection; the study of insect life, dealing mainly with garden pests, sucking insects, aphides, chewing insects codlin moth, pear slug, leaf roller caterpillar, the study of fungi, mildew apple scab. In general, the aim should be to teach the life history and methods of combating such pests, the knowledge of which will probably be of economic value in after-life. (2) To teach the main principles of cultivation, aeration of soil drainage, conservation of soil moisture, etc. (3) One of the most important aims is to develop in the pupils an interest in the soil and its products, and to stimulate the Ksthetic faculty of the cultivation of suitable plants for the adornment of school and grounds. Interest, however, is created mainly by ownership. By our scheme of work the pupils are entitled to the fruit and other trees raised by themselves if successfully worked, budded, and grafted. Standard VI. should be allowed to take their trees home in the dormant bud any time from May to August. Deciduous trees should not be transplanted and severely pruned during the growing season. Some interesting Nature study experiments may be got under way now in connexion with tho propagation of plants from cuttings. The objects aimed at should be .to learn how Nature induces plants to rearrange the cell matter to form a callus and develop roots —to learn where the roots develop most readily. Some cuttings should be taken off.with a heel, that'is, the rounded b»«e of last season's wood attached; some cut oif immediately under a bud or node, others just above; some may have top leaves left on. All should be planted deep in ground fully two-thirds their length. A considerable number of cuttings should be planted to allow some to be examined at intervals before September. It may be noted that most cut tings develop roots readily when trimmed off just below the node. Cuttings of black and red currants, gooseberries, roses, cherry plums may be made now. An interesting experiment to get under way now is to make a number of cuttings of different kinds of hard wood plants, roses, etc., as indicated above, roll up in a wet sack, place in a box or shady place, and keep damp by occasional watering. They can be readily examined. In a few weeks, the callusing success can be seen. Later on they can be planted out if shaded and watered.