Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1914-12-24

pushing Ill HuIilDeT VI MAJ NSiouS
ways, tasks upon which our existence
vitality depends. TIE learns the need
of terminating seeds, few methods
of plant husbandry. The trees are
studied and distinguished by their
buds. characteristic shape of tree, and
by the bark. In the spring general
idea of the entire plant kingdom from
the lowest one celled plants to the
highest is given. This includes many
undreamed of facts for the student,
about molds, bacteria, and their re-
lation to disease, acum on ponds, horse
tails or the so-called securing reeds,
MOSES, ferns and host of other
hidden beauties to the unsuspecting
The trees are again studied and iden-
flied by their leaves. The spring flow
ers are learned and small herbarium
made.
In zoology, forms that are our every
day acquaintance in the field are stu
died. The insects are grouped and a
collection made. The work of the
bee and its wonderful structure, the
beauties of the butterfly, the economic
Importance of all beetles and bugs,
the angle worms, CLAIMS, crayfish,
minonws, and host of other forms
from the lowest to the highest, all
come in for their share of notice. The
habits, the development of the senses,
the Importance to man, either detri-
mental or beneficial, and the inter-
nal anatomy are discussed and addi-
tional information gained thru spe-
cial reports from the United States
agricultural bulletins and from other
sources. The bird study forms very
important as well as interesting part
Of this course. The common birds that
winter with us and those that are only
summer residents are identified. An
acquaintance of the habits, food and
appearance of each of hose birds is
acquired by many field observations
correlated by the use of the mounted
specimens and special reports. The
migration both of fall and spring, sea-
sonal changes of plumage, mimicry,
and protective celebration are a few
of the topics studied. Special stress
is laid upon their economic value, es-
pecially the beneficial effect of many
birds so commonly regarded as "sin-
ners or robbers" The hawk and spar
row question, the crow, and the jay
are among these. Both in zoology
and botany, the knowing of few def
mite forms gives the student more
interest in his surroundings, makes
him see mora keener observer, and
gives him an appreciation Of the beau
ty of flowers and trees about the
home. Because of knowledge of the
life habits he is in a position to care
for and maintain about his property
plants and animals beneficial to him
thus enhancing its value.
In physiology much laboratory work
is done upon the various systems and
organs studied in the grades. Circu-
lation of blood in a frogs foot, the
nature of cells of nerves, of muscles
and of bone are observed thru the mi
croscope. First hand knowledge by
means of the dissection of frog (by
the INSTRUCTOR is gained of the beat
ing of the heart, the position and won
derful structures of the organs of d.
gestion, respiration, and of the ner
vous system. Analysis of foods as t.
the composition and tests is made
Round table discussions are sometimes
carried on regarding the care of thu
various systems and other importan
topics of hygiene are emphasized. Sen
sible suggestions that bear directl,
upon the school habits of the students
are made-such as the value of plent!