26 
MANUAIy OF NATURE STUDY. 
will perhaps suggest the tent, with its pieces of 
timbers, center-pole, corner-poles, etc., for support. 
Almost any of the boys can describe a kite and tell 
what the frame work is for, and how it is made. 
From these simple illustrations, a chicken or other 
animal with which the children are well acquainted, 
may be introduced and bones examined. Develop 
the thought that the leg bones support’the body and 
asssist in locomotion; that the wing bones assist in 
flying; that the vertebrae or neck bones give elastic¬ 
ity to the movements of the head in gathering food 
or in drinking; that the ribs and back protect the 
heart, lungs and other vital organs as well as to 
give shape to the chicken. Strip the flesh from 
the drum stick and call attention to the slender 
shaft and enlarged extremities and let the children 
draw conclusions as to purpose in such arrange¬ 
ment. Notice the smoothness of the joints. Notice 
that the bone is hollow and filled with marrow. 
Imagine a chicken trying to make its form more 
beautiful by wearing a tight fitting band around 
its ribs. What would the other chickens think of 
such a foolish notion? Could a young chicken 
cock crow as loudly if he were so bandaged? Could he 
breathe as well? Do you think a young hen so 
distorted could be recommended to preside over a 
young brood of chickens? Would Madam Pussy 
