The winter is not so devoid of life as we sometimes think. There are mammals in the woods and coverts, fishes in the lakes and deep brooks, birds in the forest and the open. Let us devote one early midwinter lesson to the birds. Have the children make particular observations on the English sparrow. Other birds may be observed, as, for example, our old friend the crow. All these birds touch the life of the farmer and the nature-lover. Those students who are so situated that a study of crows is impossible may substitute English sparrows, chickadees, woodpeckers or any other winter birds. A bulletin entitled "The Common Crow" was issued by the U. S. Department of Agriculture in 1895. Students in this course can obtain one copy each by sending ten cents to Superintendent of Documents, Union Building, Washington, D. C. Do not send stamps. Do crows winter in your vicinity? Are you able to verify the statements made in the lesson concerning the flight in opposite directions in morning and evening? Give observations made since receiving this lesson. Is there a crow dormitory in your vicinity? (Inquire of old residents and keep a close watch.) Watch a crow on the wing. If he is flying low, try to count the big wing feathers. Note here any peculiarities of this bird's way of flying. How does a crow hold on to a limb when asleep? What characteristics have crows and chickens in common? How do they differ? Compare feathers, bills and feet of chickens and crows. Look for crow tracks in the snow. Where have you seen them? Can you always tell which way the bird was going? How? Sketch the tracks on separate sheet. How long is the longest toe, including the claw? Which toe is this? Is the track ever longer than the toe itself? If so, why? Have you ever seen the scratches in the snow made by the stiff wing feathers when the crow takes its flight from the ground? Count the scratches. What food have you seen crows eating? Watch during the whole month and mention any new items you can add to their bill of fare. Have you ever seen crow's nests? Where? When? Describe the nest, eggs and nestlings, if you have seen them. (These are things to look for during the spring and summer.) Does the plumage of the yearling crow differ from that of the older birds? Do males and females differ in color? Crows are said to possess remarkably well developed brains. What evidence have you of their sagacity, fearlessness, cunning or greed? What other winter birds have you seen this year? Give on separate sheet an account of a winter walk. LEAFLET XXVIII. HOW A SQUASH PLANT GETS OUT OF THE SEED.[38] BY L. H. BAILEY. [38] Teacher's Leaflet No. 1, December, 1896. The first Cornell nature-study leaflet. For a discussion of the title of this leaflet and what it signifies pedagogically, consult "The Integument Man," in "The Nature-Study Idea." (Doubleday, Page & Co.) [Illustration]