ally, as it would be if exposed to rains; this
ensures more perfect development of the insect.

~Observe.~--At what part of the cocoon the moth makes an opening; the slow
spreading and strengthening of the wings; the size and coloration of the
moth; the feathery feelers; the position of the wings and sucking mouth
parts when at rest.

Require the pupils to make drawings of the cocoon, larva, and adult.

The promothea moth, whose cocoons are common on lilac bushes, may be
studied in the same way as the emperor.

Reference.--Silcox and Stevenson: _Modern Nature Study_

DRAGON-FLY

The larvae of this insect may be obtained in May or June by scraping
leaves, weeds, and mud from the bottom of ponds and allowing the mud and
water to settle in a pail or tub. The larvae may be distinguished from
other aquatic creatures by the long insect-like body, three pairs of
legs, and the "mask"--a flap with pincers at the end. This mask can be
turned under the head and body when not in use, or it can be projected
in front of the larva for catching prey. At the rear end are three
tubes, which fit together to form the breathing tube.

The pupils should observe the above features, and also the movements,
seizing of prey, breathing, moulting, semi-resting or pupa stage, at the
close of which the pupa climbs up a reed or stalk of grass and bursts
the skin from which the adult emerges.

The pupils should put into the aquarium various kinds of insects and
decide what foods are preferred by the larva and the adult.

~Observe.~--The size, length of body, movements in flight, lace-like
wings, and insect-killing habits of the dragon-fly.

Should dragon-flies be protected? Give reasons. Are all dragon-flies of
the same size, build, and colour? At what time of year are dragon-flies
most numerous?

~Reference.~--Silcox and Stevenson: _Modern Nature Study_.

OTHER CONSPICUOUS INSECTS

The potato-beetle, giant water-bug, eastern swallow-tail butterfly, and
promothea moth are insects suitable as types to be studied by the pupils
of Form I. The giant water-bug is the large, broad, grayish-brown insect
that is found on the sidewalks in May and June mornings. (For
information on the eastern swallow-tail and promothea see Metamorphosis,
in Butterfly and Moth Collections.)

BIRDS

Bird studies for Form I should be limited to observations made directly
upon a few common birds, such as the robin, house-sparrow (English),
song-sparrow, flicke