CHAPTER XIV 



THE STUDY OF INSECTS 



THERE are several good reasons why children of the 

 rural schools should become acquainted with the insect 

 life about their homes. Insects are so intimately con- 

 nected with the life and success of crops of all kinds that 

 it is much worth while for the children to know something 

 of the habits and life histories of these little creatures, to 

 recognize friends and foes, and to learn some of the ways 

 of combating the pests and increasing the numbers of the 

 beneficial ones. Aside from this practical value the study 

 is worth while from an educational standpoint. 



It is best, except in a few cases, to study insects in 

 relation to some plant or plants that the children are in- 

 terested in. 



A few simple pieces of apparatus will aid in the study. 

 Two or three pint, quart, and two-quart Mason jars, a few 

 flowerpots or small tin pails to hold soil, two or three large 

 lamp chimneys or lantern globes, and a wire cage or 

 terrarium, are desirable. The terrarium is easily made. 

 Get an inch board for the bottom; one about six inches 

 wide and two feet long makes a convenient cage to place 

 on a window sill. Saw out the corners, fit into each an 

 upright piece about fifteen inches high, nail these uprights 

 securely to the bottom, and then enclose the lower part of 

 this frame with boards about three inches high. Complete 



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