CAT AND DOG. 43 



and conversely in unlike objects by the points of similarity. 

 The number of resemblances and dissimilarities varies of 

 course with the knowledge and experience of the observer. 

 A biologist said that he could say more on the ways in which 

 a horse and a geranium are similar than on the ways in which 

 they are different, but the child to whom he made the remark 

 could think of only one particular in which they are alike, 

 viz., that they both need water. 



The activities of pet and domestic animals appeal very 

 strongly to the interests of the youngest pupils. In one of 

 the lists the dog is suggested as an object of study, but it is 

 easier and more effective to make a Nature Study lesson of the 

 dog in comparison with the cat than of either alone. In the 

 majority of homes both animals may be studied and compared. 

 It is usually little trouble to have a dog brought to the school- 

 room for one or two lessons of direct observation ; an adult 

 cat is less obliging, although some teachers have succeeded in 

 having both at the school at the same time. It is not hard 

 to reconcile a kitten to life in the school-room. Although the 

 cat is named in the prescriptions of animal life for Grade Four, 

 an example of the comparative study of the cat and dog is 

 given here. 



Cat and Dog. — One or more investigations may be pro- 

 posed each day to be reported and discussed on the day 

 following. Examples : examine the covering of the dog's 

 body and compare it with that of a cat. Which is softer, 

 smoother, longer, cleaner, warmer 1 Which has longer 

 whiskers 1 When this is satisfactorily disposed of the pupils 

 will have discovered that the dog has rough hair and short 

 whiskers, while the cat has smooth soft hair or fur and long 

 whiskers. The roughness of the one may be observed by 

 passing the hair between the thumb and finger, or the differ- 

 ence may be seen with a good lens. Lead pupils to infer the 

 relation between the smoothness and cleanness of the cat's fur. 



