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UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA-EXPERIMENT STATION 
3. Animal Life throughout the Year 
Common domestic animals .—Name animals on the farm that work 
for us. What does each one do ? What does each animal eat ? How 
are these animals housed? What constitutes a good barn, poultry 
house, etc. ? In what ways is the horse useful ? Why can a horse do 
certain kinds of work better than any other animal? How is a horse 
trained to work? Discuss harness and its fitness for the horse. Men¬ 
tion all the things a horse needs every day. When does a horse need 
special care? In what way? Why do horses need shoes? Discuss 
difference between the horse that pulls a heavy load and the one for 
the light buggy. If possible show pictures of various kinds of horses 
and ponies. In like manner make a somewhat detailed study of the 
dog. Each child to tell why the dog is a friend to man. Tell the 
various ways that a dog is useful on the farm. Show pictures of dogs. 
What does a dog like for food? Watch one eat. Tell how he does it. 
What kind of teeth has he? Children will enjoy some good stories 
of dogs. 
Wild animals .—What wild animals in the community? How do 
they live ? Where do they spend the winter ? What ones are injurious 
to the farmer ? In what ways ? 
Birds .—Make a list on the blackboard of the birds present when 
school opens. How recognize different birds—color, song, size, manner 
of flight, etc. ? What birds stay all winter ? What ones return when 
spring comes? What is the food of birds? Where do they stay at 
night? Name various places where birds build their nests. Watch 
