172 NATURE STUDY 'BY GRADES 



Discuss the carnivorous birds in relation to their pre- 

 hension of food. The long and lofty flights of eagles and 

 hawks; their wonderful powers of sight in searching for 

 prey; their methods of dropping on to it when found; the 

 shape and use of the bill and strong talons ; the good and 

 the harm done by these birds to man, are all interesting 

 points to bring out by description or story, and by proper 

 questions. 



The structure and habits of the owl are of peculiar in- 

 terest, and the following facts may be brought out concern- 

 ing him: his feathers are soft, and his flight is silent, for 

 he is nocturnal in his habits ; his eyes are constructed to 

 see at night, and he feeds upon such animals as he can find 

 by swooping along the ground; his prey is swallowed 

 entire, the indigestible parts being thrown up later. Owls 

 mate for only a short period, and are essentially solitary in 

 their habits. Some burrow in the ground to make their 

 nests. 



LESSON XLV 

 ANNUALS, BIENNIALS, AND PERENNIALS 



What plants live but one year? Make a list of some of 

 them. How do they manage to perpetuate themselves? 

 Discuss the dangers to their seeds and how they are pro- 

 tected. Get samples of both wild and cultivated seeds. 

 Why do plants produce so many more seeds than can pos- 

 sibly grow? Consider how man takes advantage of this 

 habit in plants to provide for himself food, etc. 



Discuss the seed coverings used for protection, e.g. stone 

 fruits, the impervious varnish on some seeds, the pod, bur, 

 etc., on others. 



