comstock] TOPICS FOR DECEMBER NATURE-STUDY 407 



The Donkey. — This little animal, so useful the world over, 

 especially belongs to the Christmas tide, since only by its help 

 were Joseph and Mary able to take the Christ Child to Egypt. 



If possible, observations should be made on the appearance of 

 the donkey as compared to that of the horse. It is to be hoped 

 that some child, connected with the school, has a pet donkey 

 that can be inspected occasionally, otherwise this lesson would 

 be pointless. The donkey can best be studied by comparing it 

 with the horse. Use obs. 2, 3, 4, and 5, p. 292, a few at a time, 

 and change to suit the pupils of the Second Grade in order that 

 they may notice in detail the appearance of a horse. Use the same 

 outlines in calling attention to the appearance of the donkey. 

 The donkey differs from the horse in the following particulars: 

 Its legs are shorter in comparison with its body; its head is wider; 

 its neck shorter; and its ears larger. The hoof is longer and 

 narrower and more upright. Since the hoof is thicker and there- 

 fore tougher it is much better fitted for mountain climbing than 

 is the hoof of a horse. Its tail is a tassel and its mane shorter, 

 its coat more shaggy than those of the horse. It is much stronger 

 than a horse in comparison with its size, and can thrive on one- 

 quarter of the food necessary to sustain a horse. Instead of 

 whinnying like a horse, the donkey brays. For defence against 

 enemies, it can kick and bite. Patience is the chief characteristic 

 of this interesting little beast. 



The Shadow-stick. — In December the sun reaches its farthest 

 point in the South of the entire year. To call attention to this, 

 use the shadow sticks, obs. 13, p. 914. 



Sunrise and Sunset. — The time of sunrise and sunset should be 

 noted at least once a week during December. 



The Cranberry. — This berry not only adds beauty to the Christ- 

 mas table but it adds to the deliciousness of the repast, and it 

 is very worth studying before it is made into jelly. Each pupil 

 should have a cranberry for this lesson. Its shape and color 

 should be noted. It should then be cut crosswise. How many 

 cells are there in the cranberry? How many seeds in each cell? 

 Describe the seeds. Do they fill the cells ? Why are the cells so 

 large? Drop a whole cranberry in a glass of water. Does it 

 float." These cells are water-tight compartments to keep the 

 cranberry afloat. The cranberry grows naturally in bogs and 

 marshes where there are likely to be floods in the fall. If when the 



