The adult is one of the handsomest of moths, because of its graceful, clear-cut shape and the variegated grays and yellows of its dress. Look on poplar, cotton-wood, plum, and pine trees, and on tobacco plants for relatives of the tomato worm, the large green larvae whose chrysalis and adult forms resemble those of the tomato worm. THE CROW Crows are so plentiful that there will be no difficulty in making observations on the living birds in the free state in spring or summer. (As the crow is a bird that is easily tamed, it may be possible to have a tame crow in the class-room for more careful study of the details of structure.) ~Observations.~--Describe its attitude when perched, movements of the wings in flight, speed of flight. Why does the crow perch high up in trees? What gives to the crow its swift flight? Study the various calls of the crow and note the alarm, threat, summons, and expression of fear. Find the nest and note its position, size, build, materials, eggs, and young. How is the nest concealed? What makes it strong? Are crows often seen on the ground? Do they walk or hop? Observe and report on the crow's habits of feeding. It eats corn, potatoes, oats, beetles, crickets, grasshoppers, cutworms, and occasionally birds' eggs or young birds. Why do king-birds chase and thrash the crow? Are scarecrows effective in keeping crows off the grain fields? Note the sentinels that are on the watch to warn other crows of danger. Give reasons for the belief that the crow is a wise bird. Give reasons for regarding the crow as a neighbour of doubtful character. Give reasons why crows should be protected. NOTE.--Crows will not pull up corn and seed that has been covered with coal-tar before it is planted. In addition to the animals already named, the musk-rat, raccoon, fox, flying-squirrel, robin, wren, and king-bird will be found convenient for study in many localities. The swimming of the musk-rat, and how its shape, fur, feet, and tail fit it for a life in water are topics suitable for observational exercises, as are also its food, its winter home, and the burrows leading from the water into the banks. In the case of the winter home, the location, the structure, the submerged entrance, the living-room, and the surrounding moat, are topics of interest. CORRELATIONS With literature: By reading animal stories, such as, _The Kindred of the Wild_ and "Red Fox," by Charles G. D. Roberts; and _Wild Animals I Have Known_, by Ernest Thompson-Seton. With language: By oral and written descriptions of the animals that have been observed. CHAPTER X FORM III WINTER CARE OF PLANTS IN THE HOME