classes.
The following suggestions in insect study are offered as guides to
teacher or pupil:
Obtain books and pamphlets from the Department of Agriculture, Toronto,
on the subject of Insect Pests on Farm Crops and Fruit Trees.
Secure a good general book on insects. _Modern Nature Study_, by Silcox
and Stevenson, contains illustrations of several of the most common
moths and butterflies, which are clear enough to make possible the
identification of the forms represented. Comstock's _Manual for the
Study of Insects_ is the best general book on the subject. This, and
Holland's _The Moth Book_ and _The Butterfly Book_, are valuable for
those who wish to follow the study of insects at any length.
Begin by studying the more conspicuous moths, butterflies, and beetles,
and especially by studying the injurious forms which thrust themselves
into prominence by causing destruction of grain, vegetable, or fruit
crops in the locality. The utility phase of lessons on these insects
will appeal to the older children and also to their parents. Moreover,
these are the easiest insects to identify and upon which to obtain
literature dealing with their life histories and habits.
Carefully observe the colour, size, and shape of the insect, and note
the plant on which it is feeding and its manner of feeding. Consult
available books on plant pests to find descriptions of the insects that
feed upon this plant, and study carefully what is said about the insect
observed. If this method is persistently followed, the teacher will be
surprised at the rapidity with which his acquaintance with insects
broadens.
Pictures of moths, butterflies, and beetles are of great assistance in
the identification of these insects.
A school collection, made from the insects studied, is useful for future
collection and for identification of insects. Do not allow any insect to
be killed unless it is a good specimen intended to fill a place in the
collection, or unless it is known to be an injurious insect. The
teacher, by exercising proper control of the collecting, has an
efficient means of teaching the sacredness of life. The fact should be
emphasized that killing even an insect, when there is no good reason for
doing so, is the act of a mean and selfish coward.
In addition to a collection of insects, including larval and pupal
forms, collections of insect nests, of plant galls, of markings of
engraver beetles, of burrows of tree borers, and of sa
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