COVERINGS OF ANIMALS 143 



These feathers have minute quills, and being next the body are 

 for warmth. They make a soft backing for the contour feathers, 

 and thus also give protection against injury, and help make the 

 "float" for the swimming bird's body to rest in. 



Many birds have oil glands at the root of the tail from which 

 they get oil to rub on the feathers. 



Ornamental feathers of many forms are interesting — such as 

 those in the tails of roosters, peacocks, etc. 



The color markings on the feathers of birds may form a series 

 of good lessons. How they are arranged; how they sometimes 

 extend from feather to feather to make definite figures, etc.; how 

 in some the markings are stripes so arranged that the birds can 

 hardly be seen in the dry grass; in others, brilliant to attract the 

 attention of mates, etc. Always, if possible, procure the bird for 

 the lesson. 



The moulting, or shedding of feathers is an interesting subject. 

 Why do birds moult ? How often ? In what manner ? These are 

 some of the questions to be put. Most birds moult annually, 

 some twice a year. (Ptarmigans in fall get a white plumage 

 so they may not be easily seen on the snow; in spring, a brown 

 to enable them to hide in weeds, rocks, etc.) 



There are muscles under the skin by which birds can raise 

 their feathers. Some of these are strong as in the crests of some 

 birds, and in the tails of turkeys and peafowls which have the 

 habit of strutting. 



If the feathers be removed from the bird, and the naked skin 

 observed it will be found that the feathers have very different 

 kinds of arrangement. The arrangement differs in different kinds 

 of birds. There are naked patches, and patches covered with 

 feathers, and in the latter the feathers are arranged in rows. In 

 some forms this definite arrangement is not so distinct as in ducks, 

 chickens, and oui common birds. The children may from time 

 to time compare forms. 



