comstock] JANUARY NATURE-STUDY 31 



have several colors, there are those of one color which are called 

 self-colored. 



A lesson on the guinea pig should include the following points: 

 What does it eat? What does it like best of all? Does it drink 

 often ? How do we make a home for our pet guinea pig ? Where 

 and how do their wild relatives make homes for themselves? Are 

 its legs long to fit it for nmning; are its hind legs strong to fit it 

 for leaping ? How many toes has it on its front feet and on its hind 

 feet ? Describe the toe nails. Are its ears movable ? What colors 

 in the eyes? Observe the teeth. Are they fitted for gnawing like 

 those of the rabbit ? Has it ' ' whiskers' ' to feel with ? Where is its 

 tail? Describe its fur, whether fine, coarse, long or short, or in 

 rosettes. Is it for warmth or ornament? In what position does 

 it sleep? How does it play; how does it show anger or pleasure ? 

 Describe its voice; what does it say? How does it keep itself 

 clean ? How does it care for its young ? 



The Cockroach — This slippery little haunter of crevices has some 

 interesting qualities even if it is a pest. In order that grown-up 

 people be competent to deal with a pest, it is necessary that they 

 know all about it, and this knowledge is gained more easily and 

 thoroughly in childhood. A cockroach should be placed in a vial 

 with a bit of bread and safely corked in, and then it may be passed 

 around for observation. The questions in the lesson on p. 379 are 

 sufficient for two lessons. Obs. 6 on how a cockroach cleans itself 

 is enough for one lesson and should point a moral ; for this insect 

 dwells in places which are far from clean, but with its polished coat 

 and habits of scrubbing itself, it keeps clean and lives long. No 

 mention of how to get rid of this pest need be made, since the 

 poisons used for destroying it should be appHed only by adults. 



A Chippy's Nest. — Any nest will do, but the chippy's is usually 

 nearest at hand and easiest to get. The observations should be as 

 follows: What bird built it? What for? Do the Httle birds 

 come back to the nest after they once leave it ? (This question is 

 quite important to emphasize the fact that yoimg birds do not 

 rettim to the nest.) Of what material is the outside, the inside? 

 Why is the lining so soft? How is the nest supported? For out- 

 line of study of chippy's nest, see p. 89. On p. 88 is material for a 

 story to supplement this lesson. 



A Cocoon — ^Any cocoon with a pupa in it will do, but that of the 

 Cecropia is best, since it is largest. |This lesson is for the purpose 



