has a place of its own for its nest. The humming bird builds one of the softest down, upon a swinging branch. The swallow builds its nest of mud, under some protecting roof or rocky cliff. rocky cliff. Some birds take no pains with their nests. They gather a few sticks and leaves for a rude nest, or even lay their eggs in some hollow in the rocks.

We should not wantonly kill the birds and rob their nests. The birds are happy in their lives as you are in yours. They make us happy, too, with their songs, and eat many worms and insects which injure our fruit.

QUESTIONS.

Tell how birds differ from other animals.

What birds are used for food?

What birds have been domesticated? What are the names of some of these birds?

What bird is used to carry letters?

Mention some common kinds of fowl.

Do you suppose our hens used to be able to fly long distances?
Do tame ducks fly much?

Do you know any birds that make their nests on the ground?

Why do many birds make their nests in trees?

Name some of the song birds.

Where does the woodpecker get his food?

Is the bat a bird?

Mention some water birds.

Why do birds go north in the spring and south in the fall?

Animals are not at all like plants. The plant spends its whole life in the spot where it sprouted from the seed. Its roots hold it firmly in one place. The soil may be poor and the leaves of the plant may get little sunshine, but it cannot help itself.

Animals go from one place to another for their food. They live where they can find plenty to eat and are well protected from their enemies.

Plants take their food in through their roots. They breathe by means of their leaves. Animals have a mouth for eating. They breathe with lungs.

Some of the animals get their food from plants.

Such animals have flat teeth for grinding this food. Many animals live upon those animals which they can catch and kill. They have sharp teeth for tear. ing flesh.

If you study the animals you will find that each one is fitted for the place in which you find it. There is a struggle among animals for food just as there is among plants. The weaker animals choose their homes where they can be safest from the attacks of the stronger ones. Because of these things many

animals have come to live in the ground, and others in the trees.

The little mole, who spends all of his time in the ground, has a nose for digging in the dirt. It is dark there and he has no use for his eyes. Now he

is almost blind, but his grandfathers a long time ago lived upon the top of the ground and had as good eyes as any animal.

The coyote lives in the open plain or hilly country. He has use for sharp eyes and ears and long, slender legs. He has a sneaking look and such a funny bark at night and morning. His safety

is in being able to run fast. He is fond of rabbits and chickens. The coyote is very cunning, and if you are looking for him you will seldom see him.

The rabbit is a timid little animal. His home is in the bushes.

He has to look out for the larger

ears are very useful, and he can run, too, when he

tries.

There are many kinds of squirrels. nuts and make their homes in the trees.

Some eat There they

are safe except from the thoughtless boy with his gun. How gracefully they run up and down the trees and jump from branch to branch.