452 Home Naturk-Study Course. 



The ornamental eolor and form in feathers as the result of sexual 

 selection is a subject that belongs rather to the realm of science than to 

 nature-study. But leaving aside as the question of how the beauty in 

 feathers came about, the study of them as attractive objectii is something 

 that even the youngest pupil can comprehend ; and, with this knowledge 

 should also come the fact that birds with beautiful feathers know that 

 they are attractively dressed ("Bird Life," Chapman, pp. 42-47; "The 

 Bird Book," Eckstorm, pp. 143-145; "The Story of the Birds," pp. 

 44-52). To instil this idea I know of no object lesson so good as that 

 presented by the turkey gobbler ; his strut and entire appearance is one 

 of excessive vanity. Let the pupils see the exquisite irridescence of his 

 feathers as he shifts his outspread tail so that the sunshine may strike 

 across it, and show it off to the best advantage. Let them also see how 

 he throws out his breast, and how he regards his blue and red wattles. 

 The youngest child will realize that this fowl is showing oflf his plumage. 



The rooster may be the next lesson in the study of beautiful colors. 

 Attention should be called to the different shapes of the ornamental tail 

 feathers, which curve gracefully and which are not used as a part of the 

 tail rudder in flight. The proud, high-stepping manner of the rooster 

 also shows what he thinks of himself. 



The peacock is perhaps the most striking instance of the coloration 

 of male birds. If the pupils cannot see this bird, they can see pictures 

 of it and study the peacock feather. They should note the shape and 

 different colors of the eye spot, the changeable green and blue which 

 surrounds it. the broad circlet of bronze, and the narrow bands of gold 

 anrl green. Other common instances of beautiful coloring are foimd in 

 the male oriole and goldfinch. 



While the ornamental coloring of feathers is studied, attention should 

 be given to the bright-colored combs and wattles of the barnyard fowls. 



LESSON IV. 



THE BEAK OF A IlIRD IS ADAPTED FOR GETTING THE FOOD OF THE lURD. 



Purpose. — To induce the pupil to observe the different forms and 

 textures of the beaks of birds, and to reason out for himself the uses 

 of beaks. 



It is well to begin this less)n with the food of the hen. What do we 

 feed her and where do we put the food? If we do not feed her, what 

 does she live on and where does she find it?" Her beak is sharp and 

 horny and especially adapted for picking uj) seeds and insects. Contra.st 

 the sha]ie of the hen's beak with that of the duck, which is broad and 

 fitted for grasping the water weeds and the insects cUnging to them. 



