A GRADED COURSE OF NATURE-STUDY 463 



cones and needles of different kinds and compare. With 

 the map show distribution of the conifers in the United 

 States. Where are the white pines, spruce, balsam firs, etc. 

 In what kind of pla,ces are the tamaracks found ? What 

 are the different kinds used for? (173, etc., 219, 220.) 



Wood Study: In connection with manual training. 

 Pine, cedar, oak, basswood, cherry, maple, butternut, hickory, 

 birch, poplar, etc. Study the grain, color, hardness, tough- 

 ness, elasticity, etc., of each kind. Visit a furniture shop 

 and collect pieces of different sorts. In the shop trim to 

 uniform size, sandpaper, and varnish, label and hang up in 

 the shop or school-room. Refer to the uses made of each 

 kind, and tell what particular quality makes it desirable for 

 certain purposes. What kinds are used in building houses ? 

 In furniture making? In handles, wheels? For the masts 

 of ships? For fuel? For posts, and ties, etc.? Try to 

 identify in common articles, furniture, etc. (219, 220, 218; 

 i73> etc.; 314.) 



Spring 

 Animals. 



Miscellaneous Mammals: What is a whale — a fish? 

 What is a bat? Study bat,* mole,* seal, whale, as mam- 

 mals. Discuss their odd habits and peculiar shapes. Show 

 how each peculiarity is an adaptation to the mode of life, 

 the food, or the place where the animal lives. Perhaps bats 

 may be brought in, and moles are easily caught in traps. 

 Observe the injury done by moles. Read about the seal 

 "fishery." Show pictures of the herds on the Alaskan 

 islands. Methods of killing. Wastefulness and cruelty in 

 the killing. Efforts of the United States to protect. Some- 

 thing about the preparation of the sealskins. What is un- 



