26 MANDAI, OF NATURB STUDY. 



will perhaps suggest tlie tent, with its pieces of 

 timbers, center-pole, corner-poles, etc., for support. 

 Almost any of the boys can describe a kite and tell 

 what the frame work is for, and how it is made. 

 From these simple illustrations, a chicken or other 

 animal with which the children are well acquainted, 

 may be introduced and bones examined. Develop 

 the thought that the leg bones support 'the body and 

 asssist in locomotion ; that the wing bones assist in 

 flying ; that the vertebrae or neck bones give elastic- 

 ity to the movements of the head in gathering food 

 or in drinking ; that the ribs and back protect the 

 heart, lungs and other vital organs as well as to 

 give shape to the chicken. Strip the flesh from 

 the drum stick and call attention to the slender 

 shaft and enlarged extremities and let the children 

 draw conclusions as to purpose in such arrange- 

 ment. Notice the smoothness of the j oints. Notice 

 that the bone is hollow and filled with marrow. 



Imagine a chicken trying to make its form more 

 beautiful by wearing a tight fitting band around 

 its ribs. What would the other chickens think of 

 such a foolish notion? Could a young chicken 

 cock crow as loudly if he were so bandaged? Could he 

 breathe as well? Do you think a young hen so 

 distorted could be recommended to preside over a 

 young brood of chickens? Would Madam Pussy 



