36 BULLETIN 305, U. S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. 



Continued work. — Continue the studies with birds as outlined for 

 the previous months. How the members of the bird group get their 

 food, what they eat, and what places they frequent should constitute 

 the principal points for consideration. 



Some members of the squirrel group have gone into winter quarters. 

 It is advisable to take up some one member of the group and devote 

 special attention to it this month. 



The following suggestive outline is offered for the study of the 

 gray squirrel: 



(1) Where does the gray squirrel make its home? 



(2) Does it run or hop? 



(3) How does it go up a tree? Down? 



(4) How does it pass from tree to tree? 



(5) How does it hold its legs and tail while jumping from tree to tree? 



(6) Describe the colors of the gray squirrel above and below. 



(7) Do the squirrel's colors protect it from its enemies? 



(8) Locate and describe the squirrel's eyes? Are its legs long or short? 



Why? Compare fore legs and hind legs. 



(9) Describe and give uses of the tail. 



(10) What does the squirrel eat in winter? Where stored? How does it carry 



its food? 



(11) How does the squirrel express excitement, surprise, anger, joy? Note 



its sounds. 



(12) How does the squirrel get the kernel out of a nut? 



(13) How are its teeth arranged to gnaw holes in such hard substances? 



(14) Are squirrels of any use to man? 



(15) What damage is done by squirrels? 



Assigned work. — Have some member of the class bring to school 

 branches of fruit trees — apple, peach, etc., known to be affected 

 with San Jose (San Hosay) scale. Use magnifying glass to show 

 both the scale and the insect body beneath it. Examine closely 

 to become familiar with the general appearance of affected parts. 

 Study the effect of this scale upon the manner of growth and general 

 appearance of a peach tree. What parts are killed first? Why? 

 Impress the following facts upon the pupils: 



(1) The San Jose scale is an insect. 



(2) Its body is protected by a scale covering. 



(3) To the naked eye the scale consists of light and dark gray rings with dark 



spot in the center. 



(4) Where abundant, scales give an ashy-gray appearance to the bark of the 



affected part. 



(5) It is one of the most injurious orchard pests. 



(6) During the winter months is the time to combat the pest, and lime-sulphur 



wash is the best spray. 



(7) Every farm boy and girl should be able to recognize it. 



(8) Burn affected parts after examination. 



