Fairbanks] GEOGRAPHY AXD NATURE-STUDY 187 



Picture writing of savages and origin of writing. 



Division of labor now and in primitive times. Leading occupations in 

 the vicinity dependent upon natural resources. 



The building materials in the home district, early buildings compared 

 with those now used. 



Means of lighting now and long ago ; primitive lamps. 



Talks about how people govern themselves in savage and civilized con- 

 ditions. Government of the home district. 



Stories of the pioneers and explorers of the home district. 



Excursions to landmarks in the vicinity. 



Nature-myths, Greek and Norse myths, stories of explorers. 



Biological 



Study of the harmful insects of the home. Insects affecting plants. 



Conditions fostering growth of flies and mosquitoes. 



Bees and honey making. Plants most useful to bees. 



Continue observations upon the plants of the aquarium. Plants that will 

 grow in water without soil. 



Grow from seed several common trees. 



Compare tropical plants in greenhouses with native ones as to sensitive- 

 ness to cold. Why trees shed their leaves. Condition of plants in the 

 tropics during the different seasons of the year. 



Experiments as to effect of light upon plants. Study of a desert plant 

 such as a cactus. 



Observations upon the life-history of a frog. The life and habits of frog 

 at different seasons of the year. 



Agricultural 

 Garden work in season. 



Make a study of the origin of soil through excursions to road or stream 

 cuts. Separate the clay, bits of rock or sand, and organic matter in soil 

 by washing. 



The work of various animals which enrich the soil ; artificial enrichment. 

 Plant barley and corn in rich soil, sub-soil, and crushed rock and find out 

 reasons for difference in growth. 



Physical 



Whale oil, how obtained, use. Petroleum, how obtained, natural ap- 

 pearance, origin. Products of crude petroleum. Talks about different 

 kinds of coal and their origin. 



Evaporation and condensation of water, solution of substances to illus- 

 trate various facts of every-day life. Manufacture of salt. Story of rock- 

 salt. Visit any quarries or mines in the neighborhood. Talks with speci- 

 mens of the mining and reduction of iron and copper ores. Uses and 

 properties of these metals. 



Careful study of the various uses of the wind. Construct weather-vane. 

 Keep a record of direction of winds during stormy and fair weather. 



Mark the movements of the sun from 'week to week by the shadow of a 

 vertical stick. 



Investigate the water supply of the home. Visit springs and reservoirs. 



