CHAPTER XXIII 
BIRD LORE FROM THE CHICKEN YARD: PROJECTS 
[Lessons learned by direct observations of birds, using our chickens, ducks, 
and geese for the purpose. Adapted from Cornell Nature Study Leaflets for 
which due acknowledgment is hereby made.] 
Our domestic fowls are well adapted for beginning the 
study of birds, because they give opportunity for continuous 
observation at any season when it may be convenient to 
teacher and pupils. When the pupil understands the habits of 
these common birds he will be better enabled to understand 
all bird life. 
The pupils should make most of these observations at home 
and report the results to the class for discussion. Consid- 
erable material, however, should be brought before the class 
for: examination. For example, when poultry is killed at 
home for the table, the pupils may bring.some feathers for 
Lesson 1; the tail with the oil gland, for Lesson 2 ; some orna- 
mental feathers, for Lesson 3; head with beak, for Lesson 5; 
feet, for Lesson 6; head showing ear, for Lesson 7. 
LESSON I 
To learn the form and use of several types of feathers. 
(a) Notice the down next to the bird’s body. This serves the purpose 
of under flannels. 
(0) The smooth outer feathers on the back and elsewhere. These 
serve as the outer coat. 
(c) A breast feather with its fluffy base and smoothly webbed tip. 
This combines both of the preceding purposes. 
(d) The large feathers of the wings and tail. These are the quills, 
and are the important feathers in the bird’s flight. 
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