42 BULLETIN 305, U. S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. 
New work assigned.—During this month the time of the pupils | 
may be profitably spent comparing the seeds of different forest and — 
fruit trees. These should have been collected in October and Novem- 
ber and stored or mounted for use at this time. Note: (1) The shape, — 
(2) the color, (3) the character of coats or cases, and (4) the kernel © 
of the different seeds. Special attention should be given to the differ- — 
ent kinds of acorns, chestnuts, hickory nuts, walnuts, and peach ~ 
stones; also orange, grapefruit, and lemon seeds. 
Practical work.—Making notes of observations in connection with — 
the particular tree being studied and the different nuts, and copying 4 
these notes in the class notebook furnish practical work. The pupils — 
of this grade should cooperate with those of the fourth grade in seed- _ 
ing hotbeds. Some early vegetables should be planted in the open. 
(See planting table.) = 
Correlations.—Language: Have members of the class write a 
description of one or more seeds studied, covering the points given 
as in the outline. K 
_ Drawing: Make drawings of the seeds and nuts studied. 
ANIMALS. 
Continued work.—The studies with the group of birds selected for 
the year should be continued. Have any members of this group 
gone farther south? Have others come from farther north? How _ 
are they securing their food? What are they eating? What places — 
do they frequent ? 
The group of mammals selected for study throughout the year © 
should be given attention. How do they protect themselves from the _ 
cold? What do they eat? How do they compare in these respects © 
with other wild mammals? Compare the gray squirrel and the rabbit? — 
Assigned work.—The transverse borers resemble very much cotton 
boll weevils. They should be studied for this reason. Examine the 
roots of cocklebur and ragweed fer this insect. Gather the roots of 
a number of these plants, split them open and look for the insects. 
Locate and learn to identify shot-hole borers. ‘These are found in~ 
both the outer and inner bark of peach, plum, and apple tree trunks 
and limbs. Their presence is indicated by small holes and gum 
exudation on peaches and plums. The larve of this insect may be 
removed by digging into the bark with a sharp knife at the pomt 
where the hole or gum appears. | 
Practical work.—Make observations and take notes on birds and 
mammals as suggested. Further practical work is provided in 
searching for and learning to identify transverse borers and shot-hole 
borers. Specimens of these should be preserved. (See Farmers’ — 
Bul. 606.) 
Correlations.—Language and drawing: Write descriptions and 
make drawings of transverse and shot-hole borers. 
