19 



NOTE. — Observations should be . recorded on Natural History 

 Calendar. Foster an interest in Nature, and gradual unfolding 

 of life. 



Select a tree convenient for constant observation. Measure 

 diameter, height of branching, etc. Secure transverse and longi- 

 tudinal sections of wood of the same kind of tree. Note carefully 

 color, hardness, softness, toughness of bark of different years' 

 growth. Location and arrangement of buds. Study color, size, 

 covering, protection, etc. Record first appearance of leaves, 

 flowers, and fruit. Study continued to end of year. 



Nesting habits of birds; location of nests, material used. Birds 

 of dull color have open nests,— brilliant colors concealed nests. 



Relate color of squirrel to bark of tree, color of rabbit to 

 ground and weeds. Why are black squirrels disappearing in 

 Michigan? 



Study meadow-lark, owl, duck, snipe, tanager, duck; relation 

 of color, structure to environment and manner of getting food. 



APEIL. 



PLANTS. 



Observe germination of seeds, different parts of seed; 

 ratio of leaf buds and flower buds. 



A.NIMALS. 



Earthworm — food, manner of moving, value to mankind. 

 Kelate earthworm to prepartion of soil for plants. Com- 

 pare earthworm and squirrel and rabbit, as to appearance, 

 senses, movements, manner of getting food. 



MINERALS. 



Power of different soils to absorb and retain heat. Eelate 

 to plant life. 



ELEMENTARY GEOGRAPHY. 



Wind that accompanies wet, dry, clear, cloudy or foggy 

 weather. Difference between April and winter rains. 



Compare course of sun with December, reason for short- 

 ening of shadow; relation of length of shadow to tempera- 

 ture. 



