nd
reflection, and no time is so opportune as the quiet winter season.
During these months some time should be devoted to the reading of nature
stories and extracts from magazines and books dealing with plant as well
as animal life. Pupils should review their gardening experiences and
discuss plans of improvement for the approaching spring and summer. Let
them write letters to the Form II pupils of other schools where similar
work has been carried on, giving some of their experiences in gardening
and plant and animal studies. A certain Friday afternoon might be
appointed for hearing the letters read which have been received in
reply. Suitable short poems that have a direct bearing upon their
outdoor studies should be read from time to time. Good pictures come in
here also as an aid in helping the children to appreciate written
descriptions. The first-hand observations made by the pupils will form a
basis for the better and more appreciative interpretation of these
literature selections.

THE DOG

CLASS-ROOM LESSON

Use the conversation method, since this is an animal that is well known
to all the pupils. By natural, easy conversation with the pupils,
encourage them to tell what they know about the usefulness and the other
qualities of their canine friends.

The pupils know that some dogs are useful for hunting wild animals,
others for driving or herding cattle and sheep, others for guarding
their master's property, others for hauling sleighs and wagons, while
others are of use as pets or playfellows.

Discuss with the pupils the qualities that make the dog so generally
useful to us. In this discussion, guide the thoughts of the pupils to
the qualities of faithfulness, loyalty to his friends, and docility--few
animals are so easily taught. Note his strength and swiftness--he can
continue in a race until he catches almost any other animal. Note also
his bravery--for he does not hesitate to attack an animal many times
larger than himself.

Short stories of the following type may be told, to illustrate the chief
qualities of the dog:

A dog was trained to guard any article that his master
placed under his charge, and not to permit any one to touch
it until his master gave his consent. One day, when
returning from the mill, the master placed a sack of flour
inside the gate for a neighbour who had asked him to do so,
and then continued on his way without noticing that his dog
ha