92 



NATURE-STUDY 



given on the structure of birds in general. Make a study 

 of feathers, their structure, colors and various uses. 



The wing of a bird, the bones, feathers, shapes of wings of 



different Ivindsof birds, 

 and the jiowerof Ih'ght 

 form another good 

 subject. 



Idle legs and feet 

 of differenl classes of 

 birds should be 

 studied, es])ecially\vith 

 reference to their 

 adaptation to use and 

 cn\ironment. 



Similarl)' study tlie 

 different types of 1)ills 

 witli reference to the 

 food or other pur- 

 jjoses. Bring out the 

 fact tliat the feet and 

 the bills are among the chief features used in classifying the 

 birds. 



The nesting hal:)its of birds should be observed by chil- 

 dren. At the same time teach them to be kind to the birds, 

 never to kill those that arc harmless and useful, and not to 

 rob or destroy the nests. Let them try to encourage the Ijirds 

 to build near their homes. Let them scatter food, expose 

 bits of thread, wool, horse-hair, cotton, featliers, etc., for the 

 birds to use in nest building. 



Have the children oljserve how tlie birds liuild the nest. 

 Where is the nest located? Thus roljins nest in trees, bank- 



FlG. II. Wmi^ i'i Chicken with (Quills and Coverts. 



