Introducing the children to nature had awoken in the children an understanding that, at that time of year, trees stand revealed, ready to tell their utmost secrets to those who love them. Maggie was particularly intrigued by the winter buds, for those of the tulip tree are distinctive and an aid in identification. She knew, too-as did the others with their trees-about its leaf-scars and bundle-traces. They all became familiar with their own tree's outlines, and enjoyed contrasting them with other trees, as the graceful vase-like form of the American elm with the sturdy oaks, and the sugar maple with the slender, swaying birch.
In the winter, too, they became familiar with the fruits of their special trees-if those trees fruited then. Maggie liked particularly the "cone" of her tree with its dainty, winged and weighted seed that cedar waxwings and pine siskins, in particular, loved to feed upon. I remember her standing under her tree, laughing with glee as a flock of waxings were feeding, and the seeds, with their tiny propeller-like blades, came spiraling down about her.
They liked to compare the fruits of their trees-the differences between those of the various hickories, between the walnuts and butternuts, the acorns of the many oaks, and even the "keys" of some of the maples. Through their own observation and questioning, and "looking up" in the tree book, they finally realized that some of the trees, as the red maple, which was Mabel's tree, did not fruit in the fall but in early spring, before some of the other trees had even blossomed. In the spring, with the unfolding of the leaves, Once the teacher and class walked five miles to see the dogwood, rare in the region of western New York, in the full splendor of its bloom they observed the colors of the delicate young things on their various trees, the exquisite mauves, pinks, lavenders, bronzes, reds, and carmines, as well as their soft, often furry texture.
Thus, color and texture and form were added to their consciousness. When flowering time came in woodland and orchard (some children had chosen their farm fruit trees for their own "specials") they learned that all mature trees bear flowers (with rare exceptions). With my hand lens they delved, fascinated, into the mystery and beauty and golden magic of pollen and of the parts of flowers. Such words as "stamens," "anthers," "stigma" and "pistils" became commonplace.
About this Author
David is the author of many articles including Best Friend Quotes and also the author of Best life quotes
Other articles:
Cute Best Friend
Best life quotes
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