EXERCISES IN DESCRIPTION. 79 



Entire plants. Pupils' descriptions of such are given by 

 way of illustration at p. 203. 



Twigs. For a description of a twig see p. 253. 



These exercises may quite suitably be made the means of 

 gradually building up a knowledge of botanical nomen- 

 clature on the part of the pupils as far as descriptive terms 

 are concerned. This is probably the best way in which to 

 communicate such knowledge. 



Animals. 



Shells. The usual order should be followed here also : 

 size; general shape; colour outside and inside ; general build, 

 such as thick, thin, strong, fragile, etc. ; nature of surface 

 details, such as markings outside and inside. 



Eggs. These form excellent tests of colour description. 



Animal Types. Examples of all the five chief vertebrate 

 groups should be included. The following are suggested : 

 A gold fish, a frog or toad, a newt, a lizard, a snake, a 

 series of birds, all the ordinary domestic mammals as well 

 as any others which may be available, e.g. hedgehog, mole, 

 bat, squirrel, water vole, hare, rabbit, stoat, weasel. Since 

 these exercises are primarily intended to develop the pupils' 

 observational powers, it will of course be understood that 

 these subjects are suggested only if the appropriate mate- 

 rial is available. The small examples, fish, frog, etc., will 

 readily be found, and the live animals should be utilised for 

 the purpose. In all instances of dealing with live animals, 

 it need scarcely be pointed out, the greatest care is neces- 

 sary in ensuring their comfort and in avoiding anything 

 likely to encourage carelessness or cruelty on the part of 

 the pupils. For exercises on birds and mammals stuffed 

 specimens may be used, and in the country, at all events, 

 dead examples of both these types are at times available, 

 and such opportunities should not be lost. 



