he earliest chickens and the date at which the pullets begin to lay.
Chickens that are hatched in April begin to lay in November or December
and lay throughout the winter when eggs bring the highest price.

The original wild hens lived in the dry, grassy, and shrubby jungles of
India. They were free to move about in the open air, and at night they
perched in the trees, which sheltered them from rain. Hence may be
inferred what kind of quarters should be provided for chickens.

CARE AND FOOD OF CHICKENS

Points developed

Chickens must have plenty of fresh air without draughts.

Heat is not necessary.

Their quarters must be dry, clean, and well lighted.

They require exercise.

Their food must have in it the materials that are needed to make the
substance of the egg.

Breakfast: Wheat or corn scattered among straw--the scratching affords
exercise.

Dinner: Meat scraps, slaughter-house refuse, vegetables, sour milk, and
rolled oats.

Supper: As at breakfast.

PHYSICAL SCIENCE PHASE OF NATURE STUDY

The teacher is advised to read carefully the instructions and General
Method of Experimental Science, Chapter I, before beginning the lessons
in Physical Science.

SOLIDS, LIQUIDS, AND GASES

Arrange a collection of objects of various shapes, sizes, colours, and
weights, as cork, glass, lead, iron, copper, stone, coal, chalk. Show
that these are alike in one respect, namely, that they have a shape not
easily changed, that is, they are _solids_. Compare these solids with
such substances as water, alcohol, oil, molasses, mercury, milk, tar,
honey, glycerine, gasolene. These latter will pour, and depend for their
shape on the containing vessel. They are _liquids_. Compare air with
solids and liquids. Such a material as air is called a _gas_. Other
examples of illuminating gas, and dentists' "gas"; others will be
studied in future lessons. Pupils may think all gases are invisible. To
show that some are not, put a few pieces of copper in a test-tube or
tumbler and add a little nitric acid. Watch the brown gas fall through
the air; note how it spreads in all directions. Some gases fall because
they are heavier than air; others rise because lighter. All gases spread
out as soon as liberated and try to fill all the available space. Spill
a little ammonia and note how soon the odour of the gas is smelled in
all parts of the room.

CHANGE OF STATE

Heat some lead or solder in a spoon till liquid. Let it cool.