SECOND GRADE SPRING WORK 121 



LESSON XLV 

 THE SENSE OF SMELL 



Let the pupils try to distinguish various things by their 

 odor, e.g. fruits, flowers, foods, gases, etc. Discuss the 

 value of the sense of smell. As often as may be convenient, 

 cultivate this faculty by using it in connection with nature 

 study work. 



How may odor warn us of danger? The location of this 

 sense above the mouth and within the passages used for 

 breathing, enables us to discern quickly and reject many im- 

 proper foods and drinks that otherwise might be inadver- 

 tently swallowed. Recall the effect upon smell of a cold in 

 the head. Discuss how colds are contracted ; their preven- 

 tion and treatment ; the use of a pocket handkerchief. 



Name as many odors as you can distinguish ; as many fla- 

 vors as you can taste ; as many colors as you can distinguish. 

 Which of these three senses is used most ? Which is least used 

 by man ? W 7 hich is most highly developed ? 



Discuss the wonderful powers of smell possessed by the 

 lower animals. The dog follows his master by smelling his 

 tracks. Bloodhounds are used, in this way, to capture crimi- 

 nals. A buzzard can scent a carcass at a very great distance, 

 and is thus led to the food needed to sustain life. Deer often 

 smell the approaching hunter in time to flee from danger. 

 What occupations require a keen sense of smell ? When is 

 it useful in cooking ? Of what use is it to the physician ? 

 How does the druggist use it? Does it aid the chemist? 

 Why is illuminating gas given a strong and disagreeable 

 odor? What other dangers are detected by this sense? 

 How does the sense of smell afford us pleasure? 



