48 Lessons in Nature Study. 



how the hawk steals chickens and other birds. Tell how 

 you have seen very small birds, like robins, sparrows, and 

 bluebirds, attack a hawk which had robbed them of their 

 young. Describe the sport of hawking in the Middle Ages. 



Clothing and Shelter. 



Note to the Teacher The autumn is a good time to 

 take up a series of lessons on clothing and shelter. Then 

 it is that nature begins to plan for the protection of her 

 children. Such a series of lessons may well begin with a 

 talk by the teacher in which allusion is made to the fact 

 that all things are preparing for their long sleep. As in a 

 preceding lesson, twigs should be shown on which the winter 

 buds are already forming with their various means of bud 

 protection. Attention should be called to the fact that 

 birds are not moulting now, and horses, cattle, cats, and 

 dogs are not shedding their hair, but are. getting fine thick 

 coats for winter wear. 



Propose then to study the clothing of various animals, and 

 request pupils to bring in all manner of things which serve 

 as clothing, shelter, or protection for animals or men. This 

 will include feathers, scales, hair, fur, wool, textiles such as 

 cotton, hemp, flax, and silk, and all manner of nests of birds 

 and insects. The fall and winter are good for such collec- 

 tions, since the nests are mostly deserted then and there is 

 no cruelty in getting them at such a time. 



A Feather. 



Children, can you tell me any one who has chickens ? 

 Can I get some of you to bring me some nice clean feathers ? 

 (These questions will usually result in supplying the teacher 

 with an abundant quantity of all kinds of feathers.) Select 

 similar feathers, say those from the tail or wing of the 

 chicken. Give one to each child and tell him to examine 

 it carefully. How long is the feather? How wide is it? 

 Is it alike on both sides? What are soft fine feathers 



