20 



NOTE. Shape of tree, angle of branching, development of tree. 



Compare head of cat or dog, sheep or cow, rabbit or squirrel, and human 

 teeth. 



Relation of lengthening of day to enlivening of bark and swelling of buds. 



Use of copper for wires; value to man. Man's superiority over other animals 

 in his use "of tools. 



MARCH. 



PLANTS. 



First awakening of plant life; select a tree for accurate and sys- 

 tematic stucty; difference between a tree and s.hrub. 



ANIMALS. 



Return of birds, appearance of insects. Natural History Calendar. 

 Protective coloration of squirrel and rabbit. 



MINERALS. 



Study soils in relation to plant life; power of different kinds of soil 

 to absorb and retain moisture. 



ELEMENTARY GEOGRAPHY. 



Highest and lowest temperature during the month; character and 

 amount of cloudiness in March, December and September. 



Compare number of rainy days, in autumn, winter and spring. 



Vernal equinox; seasons of year since autumnal equinox; rising and 

 setting sun; length of shadow at noon. 



NOTE. Observations should be recorded on Natural History Calendar. Fos- 

 ter an interest in Nature, and gradual unfolding of life. 



Select a tree convenient for constant observation* Measure diameter, height 

 of branching, etc. Secure transverse and longitudinal sections of wood of the 

 same kind of tree. Note carefully color, hardness, softness, toughness of bark 

 of different years' growth. Location and arrangement of buds. Study color, 

 size, covering, protection, etc. Record first appearance of leaves, flowers and 

 fruit. Study continued to end of year. 



Nesting habits of birds; location of nests, material used. Birds of dull color 

 have open nests, brilliant colors concealed nests. 



Relate color of squirrel to bark of tree, color of rabbit to ground and weeds. 

 Why are black squirrels disappearing? 



Study meadow-lark, owl, duck, snipe, tanager, duck; relation to color, structure 

 to environment and manner of getting food. 



APRIL. 

 PLANTS. 



Observe germination of seeds, different parts of seed; ratio of leaf 

 buds and flower buds. 



