DECEMBER.
PLANT LIFE.
General Work for Winter Months.—Arrange collections of flowers, grasses, leaves, etc. Study the methods of branching, and the bark, of trees, and make drawings of typical examples ([Chap. VIII.]). Examine bulbs and corms, ([Chap. V.]) and grow them in water-glasses. Trace the water-conducting strands in the flower-stalks of snowdrop, narcissus, etc. ([Chap. V.]).
Flowers of daisy, white deadnettle, and a few others may be found.
Fruits of mistletoe, holly, etc., are ripe.
ANIMAL LIFE.
General Work for Winter Months.—Prepare skeletons, etc., and study the structure and manner of life of rabbits, poultry, and pigeons (Chaps. [XII]., [XIII]., and [XV].). In snowy weather, examine and draw the footprints of domestic and other animals ([Chap. XIV.]). Place grain, crumbs, suet, and other food for birds, and identify those which come to feed ([Chap. XVII.]).
Birds.—Missel-thrush sings. Sparrow-hawks may be seen near farms.