Chambers's Elementary Science Readers Part 22

Trees give us-- Timber.

Fruits.

Shade and shelter.

BRICKS. [_Page 50._

1. Bricks are made of clay. The clay is very damp and heavy when it is dug out of the ground.

2. It is put into moulds to make bricks, and slowly baked in a kiln.

Then the bricks are dry and not so heavy as the clay was. They are porous.

3. Most bricks are of oblong shape. This is the shape used for building houses, schools, walls. Sometimes they are made into very pretty shapes, are glazed and used for floors and other things.

_Write and learn:_

Bricks are-- Made of clay.

Shaped in moulds.

Baked in a kiln.

Bricks are-- Not so heavy as stone.

Hard.

Oblong.

Bricks are used-- For building.

For ornament.

THE DONKEY. [_Page 53._

1. The donkey is a useful animal when well treated. It is cheaper to buy and to keep than a pony.

2. The donkey has hoofs like the horse, and wears shoes. It is very patient and gentle, and can do with coa.r.s.e food.

3. The donkey's coat is rough, and its mane short. It has a black stripe down its back and across its shoulders. Its head and ears are very long.

4. The donkey can climb high rugged paths better than the horse. It can also carry heavy loads up hill, because it is strong and sure-footed.

_Write and learn:_

The donkey has-- Hoofed feet.

Long ears.

A s.h.a.ggy coat.

A short mane.

The donkey is-- Strong.

Sure-footed.

Gentle.

Patient.

The donkey likes-- Hay.

Gra.s.s.

Thistles.

Carrots.

SHEEP. [_Page 55._

1. Sheep live mostly in the fields. They often climb very high hills.

Their feet are not like the donkey's; they are cloven, like the cow's.

2. Their legs are so slender that their bodies seem almost too large for them. The thick wool which grows upon them makes them look large.

3. Sheep eat gra.s.s. They tear it off, as the cow does. They cannot bite, since they have no front teeth in the upper jaw.

4. They are very timid, gentle creatures. They do not like to be alone.

They live in flocks. They make a great noise when bleating.

5. Sheep are very useful. Their flesh gives us mutton; their wool makes clothing; their skin makes leather.

_Write and Learn:_

Sheep have-- Cloven hoofs.

Slender legs.

Thick wool.

Sheep are-- Gentle.

Timid.

Climbers.

Sheep give us-- Food.

Clothing.

Leather.

TURNIPS. [_Page 59._

1. Turnips are grown both in fields and gardens. The tops are green. The turnip is almost round; but it tapers towards the bottom. Most of the turnip grows under ground; but we can see part of it above ground when nearly ripe.