984 RuKAi Sruooi. LivAKi jrr. 



3. How nature prunes the trees. Some day snow will eome; then 

 sleet; then a downpour of rain. At nightfall it ^rows eoUler. The 

 wind blows. Twigs and branches fall on the white crust which coNei-s 

 the earth. Nature is pruning the trees. 



4. The new spirit of warm days in February which is heard in the 

 ehiri^> 01 the sparrow and in the notes of the cliick-a-dee. 



5. Search for the Mourning Cloak butterfly which has been hiber- 

 nating in sheltered places during the ^\•inter. I have seen this butterfly 

 cross a snow-covered field. During some of the February thaws the 

 sap begins to run and the butterfly seeks it. 



6. The color that begins to come into the twigs, particularly the wil- 

 lows. In some parts of the state pussy willows can be found this 

 month. 



7. The first melting of the brook. Where did it begin to melt, in 

 the middle of the stream or near the shore? Why? 



8. On the look out for the spring migration. In the southern part 

 of New York State one may, ]HThaps, see any of the following birds 

 after the middle of February: Hlucbird. Robin, Crackle, Song Sparrow, 

 Fox Sparrow, Red-winged Blackbird. Kingfisher. Flicker, Puqile Finch. 



Q. The direction of the wind during the February days. A daily 

 record encourages observations of the weather. 



10. Once at least during the month a talk on some bit of scenery that 

 is attractive, — a row of leafless trees: a roadway through the wood; the 

 purjile hills; the frozen brook. 



11. A talk about some attractive home near the school. Why is it 

 attractive ? 



12. Ways in which the schoolroom might be made more neat and 

 cheerful. 



13. Some suggestions for gentle and quiet manners. Why boys and 

 girls should be thoughtful in their associations with others. The mean- 

 ing of the word gcutlcnuiu. 



14. Suggestions for helpfulness in the home. Talks of the mother 

 and her many duties, of the father and his busy day. What can boys 

 and girls do to help them? 



15. At least one good book discussed during the month and passages 

 read from it. Does the teacher own some book that will interest boys 

 and girls? Will she not be willing to sacrifice this possession for the 

 benefit of boys and girls? I am glad that my books are well worn. They 

 have been handled by young and old, many have traveled far, some 

 have never returned. Doubtless the missing books have gone where I 

 might not have been able to send them and I believe they are well placed. 



