JANUARY 



151 



ing together the barbs and making of them a close web, 

 which resists the air, thus making it possible for the bird 

 to fly. 



Besides the quill feathers from the wings and tail, 

 there are the slighter clothing feathers, and in some 

 birds, down. 



Piece of feather magnified, showing barbs 

 and barbules. 



Method : 



Secure from a provision dealer a supply of quill, cloth- 

 ing, and down feathers. 



Put in envelopes one of each, and distribute to the 

 children for comparison. 



Tell the story of the eider duck, which again and again 

 plucks first her own and then the breast of her mate to 



