52 NATURE STUDY, BY GRADES 



Did you ever see any little baby flies? Where do flies 

 come from? They come from small worms or maggots 

 which live in wet, filthy places, and if we wish to keep free 

 from them, our dooryards, stables, etc., should be kept 

 clean and dry. 



If possible, get some larvae and pupae of the common 

 house fly for study, and let the pupils see in what kinds of 

 places they are found. That the fly is full grown when first 

 hatched also should be learned from observation. 



LESSON XXII 

 DOMESTIC ANIMALS THE CAT 



Of what use is the cat ? What does she eat ? How does 

 she capture her food? Find a good reason why the cat 

 should have the following features (lead the pupils to suggest 

 the features) : sharp teeth ; a rough tongue ; sharp claws 

 which are sometimes extended, but generally withdrawn ; 

 eyes to see at night ; noiseless foot pads ; whiskers that 

 extend outward about as far as the width of the body; a 

 slender, agile body, etc. Discuss the habits and intelligence 

 of the cat. 



Kittens are born blind, receive their sight when about 

 nine days old, and afterwards can see at night. Does the 

 cat do any harm to the birds ? Does she do more good than 

 harm? How may we prevent her doing harm? Describe 

 the cat's movements, noise, etc. 



Tell stories about cats, illustrating their habits and intelli- 

 gence. Encourage the pupils to relate what they have ob- 

 served and to observe more closely in the future. Have 

 a game of " Pussy wants a corner" for the rest period. 

 Draw or paint a cat. Model one in clay. 



