42 BULLETIN 305, U. S. DEPAETMEWT OF AGEICULTUEE. 



New work assigned. — During this month, the time of the pupils 

 may be profitably spent comparing the seeds of different forest and 

 fruit trees. These should have been collected in October and Novem- 

 ber and stored or mounted for use at this time. Note: (1) The shape, 

 (2) the color, (3) the character of coats or cases, and (4) the kernel 

 of the different seeds. Special attention should be given to the differ- 

 ent kinds of acorns, chestnuts, hickory nuts, walnuts, and peach 

 stones; also orange, grapefruit, and lemon seeds. 



Practical work. — Making notes of observations in connection with 

 the particular tree being studied and the different nuts, and copying 

 these notes in the class notebook furnish practical work. The pupils 

 of this grade should cooperate with those of the fourth grade in seed- 

 ing hotbeds. Some early vegetables should be planted in the open. 

 (See planting table.) 



Correlations. — Language: Have members of the class write a 

 description of one or more seeds studied, covering the points given 

 as in the outline. 



Drawing: Make drawings of the seeds and nuts studied. 



ANIMALS. 



Continued work. — The studies with the group of birds selected for 

 the year should be continued. Have any members of this group 

 gone farther south? Have others come from farther north? How 

 are they securing their food ? What are they eating ? What places 

 do they frequent ? 



The group of mammals selected for study throughout the year 

 should be given attention. How do they protect themselves from the 

 cold ? What do they eat ? How do they compare in these respects 

 with other wild mammals ? Compare the gray squirrel and the rabbit ? 



Assigned work. — The transverse borers resemble very much cotton 

 boll weevils. They should be studied for this reason. Examine the 

 roots of cocklebur and ragweed for this insect. Gather the roots of 

 a number of these plants, split them open and look for the insects. 



Locate and learn to identify shot-hole borers. These are found in 

 both the outer and inner bark of peach, plum, and apple tree trunks 

 and limbs. Their presence is indicated by small holes and gum 

 exudation on peaches and plums. The larvae of this insect may be 

 removed by digging into the bark with a sharp knife at the point 

 where the hole or gum appears. 



Practical work. — Make observations and take notes on birds and 

 mammals as suggested. Further practical work is provided in 

 searching for and learning to identify transverse borers and shot-hole 

 borers. Specimens of these should be preserved. (See Farmers' 

 Bui. 606.) 



Correlations. — Language and drawing: Write descriptions and 

 make drawings of transverse and shot-hole borers. 



