22 
MANUAL, OF NATURE STUDY. 
bark of the tree as to its purpose, as to its cracking 
open as the growth of the tree proceeds. From the 
foregoing facts reach the conclusion that our skin 
protects inner parts from injuTy: that our skin is 
scaly, and these scales become loosened as our body 
grows, and, instead of cracking open like the bark 
on the tree, they must be washed off so as to give 
room for the new skin to form and do its proper 
work. Is the skin of the same degree of thickness 
all over the body? Is it just the same on the soles 
of the feet and the palms of the hands as it is on 
the other parts of the feet and hands ? Can you in¬ 
crease the thickness of any part of the skin ? How? 
Why has the hickory bud such heavy scales in 
cold weather, and the geranium bud none ? Why 
is our skin thicker where most exposed ? How is 
the skin kept moist ? How does the moisture get 
through the skin ? 
Other matter that would be an injury to us, if left 
in the system, comes out with the moisture. Bring 
out the thought that there are thousands of these 
little openings on the skin that must be kept clean, 
hence the bath and clean under-clothing may be 
discussed here. 
The following conclusions in regard to the skin 
should be fixed upon the minds of the children: 
1. The skin serves for protection of the body. 
