JUNIOR NATURALIST MONTHLY. 



THE BROOK AND THE BROOKSIDE. 



"Bubble, bubble, flows the stream, 

 ' Like an old tune through a dream." 



— Maurice Thompson. 



The long, summer days will soon be here. Become acquainted 

 with the brook, for you will find it a most interesting playfellow dur- 

 ing vacation days. There is on my desk a book written and by one 

 who loved and explored a brook. Next fall, I should like to send 

 this accoimt of an outdoor comrade to one of the members of the 

 Junior Naturalist Club. Who ^vill enjoy it best? Do you not 

 think it will be the naturalist who will make a brook book of his 

 own? I think so; therefore, I shall send it to the one who prepares for 

 us the best record of a brook by the first of October. 



Perhaps some of you will ask what it will be best to write in your 

 book. In answer to this, I would say, write whatever interests you 

 most. I shall make a few suggestions that vnW help you in keeping 

 your record, but you may feel free to write the story of the brook in 

 any way you choose. 



SUGGESTIONS FOR THE STUDY OF A BROOK. 



L It will be well to make a few measurements: the length of the 

 brook; its greatest width; its greatest depth. 



2. What kind of bed has the brook? Are there any stepping stones 

 across it? Are these stepping stones flat? If so, why? 



3. How does the brook appear after a storm as compared with its 

 appearance on a sunny day? 



4. Describe and name, if possible, every plant growing in the brook 

 or along its margin. Be sure to note the trees near it. 



5. Make a list of every animal that you find living in the brook. 

 Do any live along its banks? What can you learn about these ani- 

 mals? 



6. What is the prettiest farm or home that the brook passes? 

 Why do you think this place the prettiest? Who lives in this 

 home? 



