PLAN OF THE COURSE AS A WHOLE 9 



Deserted birds' nests for study of nesting sites, and analysis of mate- 

 rials. Attach a label to each nest, stating locality and position, kind of 

 tree, distance from ground, etc. 



Fresh-water clams and snails, with duckweed, milfoil, stonewort, 

 and other aquatic plants common to the locality, for use in stocking 

 aquaria during the winter. 



Fronds of all the common ferns, fruiting and sterile. These should 

 be pressed between sheets of paper and preserved dry. 



The ants' nests must be stocked as early as possible, and may be 

 maintained through the winter. 



It fs not advisable to try to keep frogs, salamanders, newts, turtles, 

 snakes, or many fishes in the laboratory during the winter, since their 

 normal period of hibernation will be interfered with and they are not 

 likely to do well. These may all be collected and studied to better 

 advantage in the spring. 



In general, the order of chapters follows that indicated 

 above : insects and birds with beginning plant lessons in the 

 fall ; fungi, bacteria, and animal parasites for indoor work 

 during the winter ; fishes and amphibia in early spring ; and 

 the emphasis on plants with the completion of bird and insect 

 studies- in the later spring months. A natural conclusion of 

 the course is supplied by a brief statement of the principles 

 and laws of life with an outlook toward the biological organ- 

 ization of the nation. At best, with so many interests weav- 

 ing a continuous pattern tlirough the changing life of the year, 

 the text will need to be used as a reference book rather than 

 as a series of consecutive lessons. 



