Walks with the Children. 155 



a better understanding of geography than many lessons 

 from the best existing text-book. 



A WALK IN EARLY SPRING. 



At close of school earlier if possible plan to go out with 

 the little ones. Do not take a long walk. 



If we are very good to-day and can get our work done, 

 we will take a walk. Let us see what we can find. The 

 grass has not yet begun to grow, but perhaps we can find 

 some little wild flowers even now peeping up beside the 

 road. I saw a snowdrop this morning, and Lottie says that 

 her crocuses are almost open. 



Now let us all have our eyes open for signs of spring. 



What bird is that yonder ? How do you know it is a 

 robin ? Hark ! perhaps we can hear him sing. How do 

 robins go on the ground ? Name some other bird that 

 hops. Where do the robins live ? How do they build 

 their nests ? What kind of eggs do they lay ? Did you 

 ever see a young robin ? What does the old robin feed her 

 little babies with ? 



Here is a pine-tree. Let us get some of the bark and 

 leaves. Get some of those cones, too. 



Here is a small, clear, glassy stone, and there a milky 

 one. These are quartz. See if you can find one that is 

 pink in color. 



Anna. Here is some snow by the side of this rock. 



Teacher. On which side is it ? 



Jane. On the north side. 



Teacher. Why does the snow stay so much longer on 

 the north side ? 



Charlie. Because the sun does not touch it. 



Teacher. Do you remember the snowflakes which we saw 

 last winter, and how they looked ? 



Frank. They were like stars. 



May. They had six parts to them. 



Teacher. Does this snow have such beautiful forms ? 



