EQUIPMENT 15 



Each instructor should choose those subjects for which 

 he can most easily secure the material, and if possible 

 study the various forms of life during that season of the 

 year when they are most active. Insects are best studied 

 in the autumn, the birds in early summer, the reptiles and 

 amphibians in early spring, and the lower invertebrates 

 and mammals hi winter. If only one term is devoted to 

 zoology fewer reference books will be required and a smaller 

 number of animals should be considered. 



As in most cases it is impossible to observe out of doors 

 all the stages in the life history of a species, pupils must 

 learn to study carefully the illustrations in the book and 

 also make use of well-preserved specimens. 



Preservation of Material. Nothing else will create 

 so much interest in this branch as the collection and pre- 

 servation of animals to be used not only by the present 

 but also by future classes. Nearly all insects in the adult 

 state may be preserved by merely allowing them to dry in 

 the air five or six days after the legs and wings have been 

 arranged and pinned in the desired positions. 



A pine board to which are tacked two or three sheets of 

 blotting paper makes a good pinning board. If the wings 

 are to be sprsad the insect should be laid on its back, other- 

 wise it may be placed in its natural position. In either 

 case pins should be so stuck as to hold all parts without 

 penetrating the animal. 



Dried material will be destroyed by museum pests unless 

 placed in tight boxes, which can be made by any boy or 

 girl. Secure two panes of glass of equal size. If they 

 measure eight by ten niches, saw from a thin board four 

 strips a half inch wide, and make two of them eight inches 



