NATIVE BIRDS 205 
by observation—especially in the initial stages—and this can 
be done in the case of dwellers in other districts or other 
lands only by having these in confinement, or by examining 
preserved specimens. As the work advances, however, it 
might be advisable to supplement what the bird-life of the 
district teaches by reference to other and similar forms 
found elsewhere. Lessons on the Harrier and Morepork, 
for instance, might well be supplemented by descriptions 
of other birds of prey, ¢g., the Hagle; but all such 
additional treatment, which after all must mainly be 
devoted to supplying information, should be _ well 
illustrated by sketches, pictures, and diagrams. 
Birds and their Habits. In many schools useful and 
interesting work may be done by encouraging pupils to 
observe the habits of the commoner birds. The observa- 
tions should be entered in special notebooks, and, 
moreover, should be made by the children with the least 
possible aid from the teacher. Pupils at first will no doubt 
require a little guidance in the matter of knowing what to 
observe, and this should not be withheld. Indeed, the 
object of the first lessons given should be to supply this 
training ; but, once these initial stages have been passed, 
the rest should be left to the pupils themselves. 
The following headings will serve as a guide to the kind 
of observations required :— 
Kind of bird. 
Whether gregarious or solitary. 
$3 migratory or not. 
- bold or timid. 
Favourite haunts. 
i feeding ground. 
Food and how obtained. 
Whether useful or harmful, with reasons. 
