THE SQUIRREL
FIELD EXERCISES
Problems:
Is it true that squirrels have little roads along the ground?
Does the squirrel come down a tree head foremost, or tail foremost?
Are a squirrel's feet close together or wide apart when it is climbing?
How many kinds of feeling can a squirrel express by its voice?
How does a squirrel open a nut?
Examine a squirrel's tracks in the snow; which foot-prints are in front?
Try to gain the confidence of a squirrel by never chasing it and by placing some favourite food for it.
CLASS-ROOM LESSON
A tame squirrel is very desirable for concrete study.
Describe the shape, size, and colour.
Find out how the legs and feet are fitted for climbing and leaping.
Compare the length of the tail with that of the body. Of what use is the tail in cold weather? Of what use is the tail in leaping?
Examine the teeth and find out how they are fitted for opening nuts; gnawing wood.
To the teacher.—The legs of the squirrel are short so that it can press its body close to the tree when climbing. The claws are strong and sharp and the hindquarters are very strong, and are, in consequence, well fitted for leaping. The tail of the squirrel is very long and bushy and serves as a fur for keeping the squirrel's nose warm in winter. The tail is also used for balancing the body when the animal is leaping from bough to bough.
The front teeth of the squirrel are very large and strong and are shaped like chisels.