I.

I.A Story of Long AgoThis is a story of long ago.It will tell you of the first people we know anything about.It will tell you how they lived before they had fire.It will tell you how they worked before they had tools.Many wild beasts lived then.They were fierce and strong.All the people feared them.The cave-bear could strike with his big paws.The tiger could tear with his sharp teeth.The rhinoceros could trample one under his feet.Each animal knew how to do one thing well.But the people could do a great many things.They could remember, too, what had happened before.They learned to profit by their mistakes.You will learn how they became brave and strong.You will learn how they used their bodies and minds.They began the work we are doing to-day.They took the first steps.People who lived after them were able to do a little more.The next people could do still more.Many people have lived and worked since then.The work they have done helps us to-day.We have something to do, too.We can do our part better if we know what others have done.We can do it better if we learn to use our hands.We can do it better if we learn to use our minds.That is why we have this little book.II.THINGS TO THINK ABOUTWhat do you need in order to live?What do you think that the Tree-dwellers needed?see captionA Tree-dweller chasinga young rabbitSharptoothSharptooth was a Tree-dweller.She lived a long, long time ago.She did not have any home.Nobody had a home then.People wandered from place to place.They had no shelter except the trees.Each night Sharptooth slept in the branches.Each day she hunted for something to eat.Sometimes she was very hungry.She had hard work to find enough food.She could not go to a store to buy it.There were no stores then.She could not buy food of a farmer.There were no farmers then.All the plants were growing wild.All the animals were wild, too.Sharptooth was afraid of them.That is why she climbed the trees.THINGS TO DOGo out where everything is growing wild and find a place where the Tree-dwellers might have lived.Find as many wild foods as you can.Notice what places have the best wild foods.Find a place where the Tree-dwellers might have protected themselves from the wild beasts.Find a picture of Sharptooth running away from a wild animal.Tell a story about this picture.see caption“Sharptooth was afraid of wild animals”III.THINGS TO THINK ABOUTDid you find a place where the Tree-dwellers might have lived?What kind of a place was it?Did you find any wild foods where the ground was covered with grass?Do you think they could live on a grassy plain?Did you find any wild foods where the trees were thick?Do you think they could live in a dense forest?Where did you find the best wild foods?Could the sun get down to places where you found wild roots?Do vegetables grow better in the shade or in the sunlight?Are there as many wild foods here now as there used to be? Why not?Do you think you could live on such foods as the Tree-dwellers ate?Can you think of a name for the place where the Tree-dwellers lived?The Wooded HillsThe Tree-dwellers needed a place where they could be safe from the wild animals.So they lived among the tall trees.They needed to be near fresh water.So they lived by trees along the river.They needed to be where they could find roots and berries.see caption“The wooded hills”Down in the river valley most of the forests were dense.The sun could not shine through the thick leaves of the trees.There was not enough sunlight to make the roots and berries grow.see captionAcornsThere were not many nuts and acorns on the trees.So the Tree-dwellers could not live there.Out on the grassy plains there were no trees.The Tree-dwellers could not live there.Near the head of the river valley there were hills and uplands.see captionWild roots wereused for foodThe forests there were not so dense.The sun could shine through the open spaces.Many roots and berries grew there.On the wooded hills near the head of the valley was a good place for the Tree-dwellers to live.They could be safe in the tall trees.They could get fresh water from the river.They could find nuts and acorns on the trees.They could find roots and berries in the open spaces.THINGS TO DOModel in sand the hills and uplands near the head of a river valley.Show where the trees grow.Where would you look for the roots and berries?Where would the cattle find grass?What else would the cattle need?Where would they find it?IV.THINGS TO THINK ABOUTDo you think Sharptooth had ever been away from the wooded hills near the head of the river valley?If she had gone into the dense forests, do you think she would have stayed there?Would it have been safe for her to walk on the ground?What way would have been safe at that time?Do you think Sharptooth would dare to go out on the grassy plains?Why did she like the wooded hills best?Sharptooth’s ExcursionsSharptooth knew every spot on the wooded hills.But she seldom went to a strange place.see caption“She walked out upon a strong spreading branch”One day, though, she took a long journey.This is the way that it came about.She found plenty of roots and ripe blue berries.She ate until she was satisfied.Then she began to play among the trees.She walked out upon a strong spreading branch.Then she grasped a tough branch just over her head.She swung herself into a neighboring tree.Then she walked out on another branch.She swung herself into another tree.She traveled in this way for a long time.At last she came to a dense forest.How dark and damp it seemed!How still it was!She stopped her play.She began to feel tired and hungry; so she rested a while, and then searched for food.She found few signs of roots or berries.There were many trees, but nuts were scarce.So she ate the bark from the tender twigs.But she was not satisfied.She missed the roots and berries.She missed the bright sunshine.She missed familiar sights and sounds.So she soon went back to the wooded hills.Another day Sharptooth went to the edge of a grassy plain.see caption“Sharptooth hid in the tall green grass”There were many wild animals feeding there.She hid in the tall green grass and watched the wild cattle from her hiding-place.She saw mammoths eating the tender grass.There were smaller animals not far away.A lion was creeping up through the grass.Sharptooth saw him pounce upon the beasts.The frightened creatures ran for their lives.Sharptooth wished that she had not ventured so far.She watched for a chance to get away.As soon as she dared she crept to the trees.Then she hurried back to the wooded hills.She never forgot what she saw that day.see captionA lionTHINGS TO DOThink of Sharptooth as she was playing among the trees. Draw the picture.Think of what she saw when she was hiding in the tall grass. Draw the picture.Show on your sand map where the dense forest was.Show where the grassy plain was.Cut a lion and a mammoth from paper.V.THINGS TO THINK ABOUTCan you think why the Tree-dwellers did not live in families as we do?Why did each one have to take care of himself?Who took care of the babies then?Do you know whether the baby Tree-dwellers could do anything for themselves?Sharptooth and Her BabyWe have learned that the Tree-dwellers had no homes.All the Tree-dwellers had a hard time to live, for they had not yet learned to help one another.It took many long years to learn to do that.But mothers have always taken care of their babies.Sharptooth’s mother had once taken care of her.But Sharptooth soon learned to take care of herself.Then she began to live as the other Tree-dwellers lived.She lived by herself the greater part of the time.She grew to be a strong young woman.Then a baby came to live with her.How proud she was of the little boy!Wherever she went she took him with her, for there was nothing else for her to do.There was no place where she dared to leave him, so the mother and baby were never apart.Sometimes the baby clung to her waist.Baby Tree-dwellers knew how to hold fast.Sometimes Sharptooth tied a vine around her waist.Then the baby clung to the vine.Sometimes he sat on her shoulder and clung to her head or neck.Sometimes he rode upon her back.Sharptooth helped him all that she could, but she needed her hands for other work.THINGS TO DOShow how your mamma carries your baby brother or sister.Show how Sharptooth carried her baby.Which of the babies do you think has the better care?How do you help to take care of the baby?Draw a picture of a mother and baby.Sharptooth gathering berriesVI.THINGS TO THINK ABOUTHow many kinds of cradles have you seen?What kind of a cradle does your baby brother or sister have?What kind of a cradle do you think Sharptooth’s baby had?What kind of a lullaby would Sharptooth sing?What lullaby can you sing?The First WeaverSharptooth had climbed most of the trees on the wooded hills.She had slept in many of them.But she liked the old oak near the trail the best of all.Its strong spreading branches were covered with vines.Here was a place to lay the baby.While he slept among the vines, she gathered wild foods.But she never went far away, and she never stayed away long.There were panthers and wild cats on the hills.Sharptooth knew that they could climb the trees.Many a time they had nearly caught her.She was afraid that they would get the baby.So she always stayed near him while he slept.see caption“She made a safe place for the baby to sleep”When she stayed in a tree that had no vines, there was no place to lay the baby.So she wove the slender branches together.She made a safe place for the baby to sleep.She lulled him to sleep as he lay in her arms.Then she gently laid him upon his bed.She watched him a moment as he slept.A moment more and she, too, was asleep.THINGS TO DOThink of Sharptooth as she was laying the baby down among the vine-covered branches. Draw the picture.Find some vines or branches and make a cradle.VII.THINGS TO THINK ABOUTThere were a great many wild cattle when the Tree-dwellers lived.They were not so gentle as our cattle.They had wide-spreading horns.The fierce flesh-eating animals were always lying in wait for them.How could the wild cattle protect themselves from their enemies?see caption“There were a great many wild cattle when the Tree-dwellers lived”Where would they stay during the day?Where would they go at night?Why did they stay in herds?Where could they find water?What kind of banks does a river have at the drinking-places?Do you think the cattle would make paths to the drinking-places? How?What Happened When the Wild Cattle Went to the RiverThe sun was just setting.Sharptooth was getting ready for the night.She was in the old oak tree.The baby had gone to sleep.As she put him down upon his bed she heard the mooing of the wild cattle.She looked out upon the hills.The wild cattle were coming down to the river to drink.She watched the long line winding down the trail.Other creatures were watching, too.Wild animals were coming out of their dens.A big bear passed close to Sharptooth’s tree.He had heard the mooing of the wild cattle.Wolves were prowling about.They, too, were watching the herd.see caption“They drank from the flowing stream”The cattle reached the river.They waded out.They drank from the flowing stream.They stood knee deep in the cool water.At last the leader turned to go.The others followed one by one.But some of the weaker ones lingered behind.They seemed tired.A big wolf watched them from a thicket.At length the cattle came out of the stream.They walked slowly along the bank.They passed close to the thicket.The wolf sprang out from his hiding-place.He seized the smallest creature.The others dashed off through the underbrush.They were too frightened to keep the path.They lost their way.Wolves and bears were lying in wait.They fell upon the frightened cattle.The herd was too far away to help.So the poor creatures lost their lives.But the wolves and bears had a feast.THINGS TO DOModel the wooded hills where the cattle fed by day.Model the grassy uplands where they fed by night.Show the trail that the cattle made.Make the banks at the drinking-place.Make the thickets and show where the wolf hid.VIII.THINGS TO THINK ABOUTWhy did the wild cattle feed on the grassy uplands at night instead of during the day?Where did they spend the day?When do the flesh-eating animals sleep?When do they hunt?Can they live without flesh to eat?Do you know whether they kill more than they need to eat?How Sharptooth Spent the NightIt was now almost dark.The wild cattle had reached the grassy upland.They were feeding on the fresh grass.Sharptooth had watched them out of sight, and now she was getting sleepy.She could see nothing but dim shadows, but she could hear all sorts of sounds.Wild animals were coming out of their dens.Most of them had slept during the day, but now they were wide awake.see captionThe upper part of the river valleyHippopotamuses were snorting and blowing.They were splashing in the water.They were crashing through the underbrush along the banks.Straight-tusked elephants were trumpeting and bellowing.Lions were roaring.The hunted animals were seeking a place of refuge.Sharptooth was used to these sights and sounds.She felt safe in the old oak tree.She tied herself to a strong branch and soon was fast asleep.She slept all through the long night.Many of the wild beasts, too, were soon asleep.Some of the hunted creatures found places of refuge.Some beasts of prey were soon satisfied.Then they stole back to their dens and slept.But all of the wild animals did not fare so well.see caption“Hippopotamuses were snorting and blowing”Not all of the hunted creatures found places of refuge.Not all of the beasts of prey found food.Some beasts of prey hunted all through the night and were still hungry when morning came.THINGS TO DOCut a hippopotamus or a straight-tusked elephant from paper.Tell how little boys and girls that you know are taken care of at night.Tell how the Tree-dwellers took care of their children.IX.THINGS TO THINK ABOUTAt the drinking-place the river banks were low.In many other places they were high and steep.In some places there was a solid wall of rock.In others the rocks were broken and worn.In some places there were deep holes in the rocks.We call these holes caves.They were made long ago.Can you think how they were made?Can you think what the caves were used for?Sharptooth Goes to the RiverBefore sunrise the next morning Sharptooth awoke.She opened her eyes and looked out upon the hills.see caption“Hyenas were stealing down to their caves”She heard animals moving about.A large cave-bear was passing by toward his cave.Hyenas, too, were stealing down to their caves.Many flesh-eating animals were slinking away to their dens.They were tired with their night’s work.Most of them had eaten until they were satisfied, and now they were ready to sleep through the day.The wild cattle were coming back to the hills.The baby awoke.Sharptooth played with him a moment.Then she put him under her arm and slipped down the tree.see caption“Sharptooth played with him a moment”She started down toward the river, but she did not go by the trail.It was safer to walk in the shadow of the tall trees.Once she suddenly grasped a branch of a tree and swung herself up and looked about.see caption“The animals were ready to sleep through the day”She had heard a rustling in the underbrush.Long ago she had learned what such sounds meant.So she swung on the branches until she reached the river.She listened a moment in the tree.Then she slipped down and ran to the water’s edge.She dipped up the water with her hand.She drank some, and then gave some to the baby.He was so pleased that he laughed aloud.As quick as a flash, Sharptooth sprang for the tree.She was afraid the hyenas were in the thickets.She was afraid they had heard the baby laugh.She talked to the baby in a strange language.She made queer clucking sounds.After that he was always quiet when they went to the river.He must have understood what she said.THINGS TO DOIf there is a cave near where you live, visit it.Model in sand some high river banks with caves.Show where Sharptooth went to drink, and where the hyenas were hiding.Show how she gave water to the baby.Show how she sprang for the tree when the baby laughed.Draw a picture of Sharptooth and the baby.Ask some one to read you the first story in Kipling’s Second Jungle Book.X.THINGS TO THINK ABOUTWhere do hogs live to-day? How are they taken care of?How do you think the wild hogs found food?Do you think the Tree-dwellers could learn anything by watching the wild hogs?What have you learned from animals?What the Wild Hogs Did for SharptoothThe sun had now been up for some time.Sharptooth was getting hungry.She picked a handful of wild plums from the thicket, but she wanted something more.She kept on down the hill.The wild hogs were rooting under the oak trees.She wondered what they found there, so she stepped near enough to see.see captionA wild hogThey were eating something round and black.She watched them for a long time.As soon as they started off toward the marsh, Sharptooth ran down to the trees.She saw the loose earth that the hogs had rooted up.Then she began to dig where it had not been loosened.She had nothing to dig with except her hands, but she was not afraid to dig with them.She soon felt something that was round and hard.She dug it up and looked at it.It was a truffle.It was black and warty on the outside.She bit off a piece.It was white inside.She tasted it and found that it was good, so she dug another and ate it.She wondered how the wild hogs knew that the truffles were there.Perhaps you can tell.Perhaps you have heard stories of how hogs dig truffles in France to-day.THINGS TO DOCollect five or six vegetables or fruits.Blindfold some one and let him smell of one of the vegetables and guess what it is.When he guesses right, blindfold some one else.When you have a chance, dig a root with your hands, then dig one with a sharp stick.Which way is the easier?XI.THINGS TO THINK ABOUTCan you think how the wild hogs protected themselves?Do hogs have tusks now?Can you think why the wild hogs were not as fat as our hogs?How the Wild Hogs Protected their YoungSharptooth watched the wild hogs every day.She learned many things from them.They were peaceable creatures when not disturbed.They lived on fruits, wild nuts, and roots.When they had eaten all they wanted, they went down to the river or lake.They hid in the reedy marshes.They hid in the thorny thickets.But they always kept together.Sharptooth watched them from a tree.There were tiny little pigs with long, light stripes.They kept close to their mothers.There were larger pigs that had lost their stripes.They, too, stayed with their mothers.There were wild boars about three years old.see caption“There were larger pigs that had lost their stripes”They did not go far from their mothers.They were not strong enough yet to protect themselves.There were many full-grown hogs.There were fierce boars with long tusks.Sharptooth watched them eating acorns.A pack of hyenas was watching, too.They were hiding in the underbrush.They were lying in wait for the smaller pigs.But the old hogs scented danger.They gathered the little pigs together.The stronger ones stood in a circle around them.Their white tusks glistened in the sunlight.They were ready to fight for their young.The hyenas were afraid.They sneaked away in the underbrush.The little pigs were safe.THINGS TO DOShow how the wild hogs protected the little pigs.Show how the hyenas came up and sneaked away.Cut some wild hogs from paper.XII.THINGS TO THINK ABOUTDo you think that the Tree-dwellers had schools?What did their children need to know?How would they teach them?Have you ever seen a cat teaching her kittens?Have you ever tried to teach a baby?What can you teach the baby to do?What do you need to have done for you?What can you do to help yourself?What can you do to help others?How the Tree-dwellers Taught their ChildrenSharptooth’s baby had grown to be a large boy.He was now about seven years old.His mother called him Bodo.Bodo did not have to wash his face.He did not have to wear any clothes.He had no clothes to wear.He did not have to go to school.There were no schools then.But he learned a great many things.His mother was his first teacher.She taught him where to find the ripe berries.She taught him where to dig for roots.She taught him how to catch birds and squirrels.She taught him how to hide from the wild animals.She taught him to keep so still that he might be taken for a hump on a log.She taught him all that she knew.Bodo learned his lessons well.He always obeyed his mother.Sometimes he saw other Tree-dwellers.He had seen them snatch food from his mother’s hand.He had seen them help her, too.But usually each Tree-dweller took care of himself.Bodo was learning to take care of himself.He was beginning to feel that he was almost a man.One day he caught a pig without any help.The next day his mother let him hunt all alone.She knew now that he could find his own food.After that Bodo always hunted alone.Sometimes he saw his mother, but she no longer found food for him.She had another baby to care for, so Bodo knew that he must take care of himself.When the Tree-dwellers lived nobody ever thought of taking care of a child who was able to find his own food.see caption“Bodo caught a pig without any help”THINGS TO DOShow how you teach your baby brother or sister to walk.Draw the picture.Show how Sharptooth taught Bodo.Tell a story of how Bodo caught a little wild pig that had wandered away from its mother.XIII.THINGS TO THINK ABOUTWhat do you think Bodo would do when he left his mother?Who would teach him now?Do you think that he could find birds’ eggs?What do you think he would do with them?Do you know any one who has a collection of birds’ eggs?What would happen to the birds if we all made collections?How do birds help us?How do we help them?How can we coax them to live near us?see caption“The bear started up and growled”Alone on the Wooded HillsAlthough Bodo was glad to take care of himself, he often wished that his mother were near.Sometimes he called to her.When she heard his call she would answer him.Then he would swing on the branches until he found her.But sometimes she was too far away to hear.Then he listened in vain for her answering call.Sometimes it was hard work to keep back the tears.Once he sobbed so loud that a sleepy bear heard him.The bear started up and began to growl.Bodo hid in the branches of a tall tree.He stayed there until the bear went away.Then he was very hungry.As he started out to find something to eat, he heard a rustling among the branches.see caption“It was only a boy who washunting birds’ eggs”He listened.Bodo hoped that his mother was coming.But it was only a boy who was hunting birds’ eggs.Bodo watched him climb among the branches.He watched him suck the eggs that he found.How he wished that he might find some eggs!He began to look for some.In a moment he saw a bird’s nest above him.He climbed up the branch and peeped into the nest.There were three beautiful eggs.His eyes danced with joy.He sucked the eggs.Then he smacked his lips and hunted for more.THINGS TO DOShow what the bear did when he heard Bodo sobbing.Draw the picture of the bear.Model a bird’s nest in clay.Ask some one to read you the story of a little baby who lived with some wolves. It is in the Jungle Book.XIV.THINGS TO THINK ABOUTsee caption“There were three beautiful eggs”Do you think that Bodo ever had any bread and sugar?Did he ever have any candy?What could he find that was sweet?How do bees make their honey?Where do they store it?How Bodo Found Wild HoneyBodo never had any candy.Nobody knew how to make it.But he knew where to find the wild honey.He had found some one day in a hollow tree.He learned to track a bee home to its tree.When he found a bee-tree he robbed the swarm.Sometimes the bees stung him, but he was used to getting hurt.THINGS TO DOWatch the bees as they gather honey from the flowers.What flowers do they visit?Do all bees look alike? Do all bees do the same kind of work?Draw a picture that will show how they work among the flowers.See if you can find some wild honey.“The bees stung him”XV.THINGS TO THINK ABOUTDo you think that the wild horses had leaders for their herds?What would the leader have to do?What might happen to the horses that did not follow the leader?What could Bodo learn by watching the wild horses?Bodo Follows the Wild HorsesTwo or three years passed by.Bodo was now about ten years old.He still lived on the wooded hills.One afternoon he went to the river.The wild horses were drinking there.Bodo watched them wade through the shallow water.He watched them toss their shaggy manes.He listened to their whinnying calls.He tried to whinny, too.The horses drank until they were satisfied, then they started toward their evening pasture.see caption“Bodo watched them wade through the shallow water”The largest horse led the herd up the trail.Others followed one by one.What a long line they made!The leader was far away over the hill before all the horses had left the stream.see caption“Farther out was a herd of mammoths”The smallest and the weakest ones lagged behind.Spotted hyenas were lying in wait for them.Bodo wondered if he could catch a wild horse.He wondered where the horses went at night.He followed the herd a long, long way.He went swinging along from branch to branch.At last he came to a grassy plain.He did not dare to go out on the plain.see captionA bisonSo he sat on a branch and peeped through the leaves.Wild horses were feeding on the edge of the plain.Farther out there was a herd of mammoths.Beyond these still other herds were feeding.They may have been bisons or wild cattle.All these animals were eating the fresh green grass.Bodo watched them till nearly sunset.But while the sky was still red in the west, Bodo tied himself to a branch and fell asleep.THINGS TO DOCut from paper some of the wild animals that Bodo saw eating grass.Make a picture of what Bodo saw when he was in the tree.XVI.THINGS TO THINK ABOUTCan you think why our horses are larger than the wild horses?How many toes does a horse have on each foot? On what part of the foot does he walk? Where is the horse’s heel? Do you think the horse’s foot has always been the same shape that it is to-day?On what part of the foot does the cow walk? How many toes does she have?On what part of the foot does the cat walk? How many toes does she have?Ancestors of Our MammalsThe wild horses that Bodo saw were about the size of ponies.Long before the Tree-dwellers lived there were horse-like creatures the size of a fox.Long before that there was a time when there were no horses at all.Great reptiles moved about on the land, they swam in the seas, or they flew through the air.All other creatures feared them.The tiny mammals that lived then were about the size of rats and mice, but these mammals were not like rats and mice.The little mammals ran, but they did not run fast, for their feet were not well fitted for running.They climbed rocks and trunks of trees, and hid in holes in the ground.They ate the eggs of the large reptiles, and became their enemies.see captionA reptileMillions of years passed; great changes took place.Parts of the land slowly sank beneath the seas, and out of the seas rose dry land.Most of the larger reptiles died, but the mammals multiplied.They grew to be as large as the fox or the sheep.At first they were all very much alike and they lived in about the same way.But as they became more and more unlike they had very different ways.Some became like cats, and some like dogs.see captionAn ancestor of our mammalsSome became like rhinoceroses and some like hogs.Others became like monkeys, and still others became like horses.THINGS TO DOLook at the picture above and tell how this animal must have changed to become more like a dog, a cat, a pig, a cow, or a horse.XVII.THINGS TO THINK ABOUTWhat part of the wild horse’s foot touched the ground when he ran?What happens to muscles that are not used? What happens to muscles that are used most?The Story of the Wild Horse

This is a story of long ago.It will tell you of the first people we know anything about.It will tell you how they lived before they had fire.It will tell you how they worked before they had tools.Many wild beasts lived then.They were fierce and strong.All the people feared them.The cave-bear could strike with his big paws.The tiger could tear with his sharp teeth.The rhinoceros could trample one under his feet.Each animal knew how to do one thing well.But the people could do a great many things.They could remember, too, what had happened before.They learned to profit by their mistakes.You will learn how they became brave and strong.You will learn how they used their bodies and minds.They began the work we are doing to-day.They took the first steps.People who lived after them were able to do a little more.The next people could do still more.Many people have lived and worked since then.The work they have done helps us to-day.We have something to do, too.We can do our part better if we know what others have done.We can do it better if we learn to use our hands.We can do it better if we learn to use our minds.That is why we have this little book.

This is a story of long ago.

It will tell you of the first people we know anything about.

It will tell you how they lived before they had fire.

It will tell you how they worked before they had tools.

Many wild beasts lived then.

They were fierce and strong.

All the people feared them.

The cave-bear could strike with his big paws.

The tiger could tear with his sharp teeth.

The rhinoceros could trample one under his feet.

Each animal knew how to do one thing well.

But the people could do a great many things.

They could remember, too, what had happened before.

They learned to profit by their mistakes.

You will learn how they became brave and strong.

You will learn how they used their bodies and minds.

They began the work we are doing to-day.

They took the first steps.

People who lived after them were able to do a little more.

The next people could do still more.

Many people have lived and worked since then.

The work they have done helps us to-day.

We have something to do, too.

We can do our part better if we know what others have done.

We can do it better if we learn to use our hands.

We can do it better if we learn to use our minds.

That is why we have this little book.

What do you need in order to live?What do you think that the Tree-dwellers needed?

What do you need in order to live?

What do you think that the Tree-dwellers needed?

Sharptooth was a Tree-dweller.She lived a long, long time ago.She did not have any home.Nobody had a home then.People wandered from place to place.They had no shelter except the trees.Each night Sharptooth slept in the branches.Each day she hunted for something to eat.Sometimes she was very hungry.She had hard work to find enough food.She could not go to a store to buy it.There were no stores then.She could not buy food of a farmer.There were no farmers then.All the plants were growing wild.All the animals were wild, too.Sharptooth was afraid of them.That is why she climbed the trees.

Sharptooth was a Tree-dweller.

She lived a long, long time ago.

She did not have any home.

Nobody had a home then.

People wandered from place to place.

They had no shelter except the trees.

Each night Sharptooth slept in the branches.

Each day she hunted for something to eat.

Sometimes she was very hungry.

She had hard work to find enough food.

She could not go to a store to buy it.

There were no stores then.

She could not buy food of a farmer.

There were no farmers then.

All the plants were growing wild.

All the animals were wild, too.

Sharptooth was afraid of them.

That is why she climbed the trees.

Go out where everything is growing wild and find a place where the Tree-dwellers might have lived.Find as many wild foods as you can.Notice what places have the best wild foods.Find a place where the Tree-dwellers might have protected themselves from the wild beasts.Find a picture of Sharptooth running away from a wild animal.Tell a story about this picture.

Go out where everything is growing wild and find a place where the Tree-dwellers might have lived.

Find as many wild foods as you can.

Notice what places have the best wild foods.

Find a place where the Tree-dwellers might have protected themselves from the wild beasts.

Find a picture of Sharptooth running away from a wild animal.

Tell a story about this picture.

see caption

“Sharptooth was afraid of wild animals”

Did you find a place where the Tree-dwellers might have lived?What kind of a place was it?Did you find any wild foods where the ground was covered with grass?Do you think they could live on a grassy plain?Did you find any wild foods where the trees were thick?Do you think they could live in a dense forest?Where did you find the best wild foods?Could the sun get down to places where you found wild roots?Do vegetables grow better in the shade or in the sunlight?Are there as many wild foods here now as there used to be? Why not?Do you think you could live on such foods as the Tree-dwellers ate?Can you think of a name for the place where the Tree-dwellers lived?

Did you find a place where the Tree-dwellers might have lived?

What kind of a place was it?

Did you find any wild foods where the ground was covered with grass?

Do you think they could live on a grassy plain?

Did you find any wild foods where the trees were thick?

Do you think they could live in a dense forest?

Where did you find the best wild foods?

Could the sun get down to places where you found wild roots?

Do vegetables grow better in the shade or in the sunlight?

Are there as many wild foods here now as there used to be? Why not?

Do you think you could live on such foods as the Tree-dwellers ate?

Can you think of a name for the place where the Tree-dwellers lived?

The Tree-dwellers needed a place where they could be safe from the wild animals.So they lived among the tall trees.They needed to be near fresh water.So they lived by trees along the river.They needed to be where they could find roots and berries.see caption“The wooded hills”Down in the river valley most of the forests were dense.The sun could not shine through the thick leaves of the trees.There was not enough sunlight to make the roots and berries grow.see captionAcornsThere were not many nuts and acorns on the trees.So the Tree-dwellers could not live there.Out on the grassy plains there were no trees.The Tree-dwellers could not live there.Near the head of the river valley there were hills and uplands.see captionWild roots wereused for foodThe forests there were not so dense.The sun could shine through the open spaces.Many roots and berries grew there.On the wooded hills near the head of the valley was a good place for the Tree-dwellers to live.They could be safe in the tall trees.They could get fresh water from the river.They could find nuts and acorns on the trees.They could find roots and berries in the open spaces.

The Tree-dwellers needed a place where they could be safe from the wild animals.

So they lived among the tall trees.

They needed to be near fresh water.

So they lived by trees along the river.

They needed to be where they could find roots and berries.

see caption

“The wooded hills”

Down in the river valley most of the forests were dense.

The sun could not shine through the thick leaves of the trees.

There was not enough sunlight to make the roots and berries grow.

There were not many nuts and acorns on the trees.

So the Tree-dwellers could not live there.

Out on the grassy plains there were no trees.

The Tree-dwellers could not live there.

Near the head of the river valley there were hills and uplands.

The forests there were not so dense.

The sun could shine through the open spaces.

Many roots and berries grew there.

On the wooded hills near the head of the valley was a good place for the Tree-dwellers to live.

They could be safe in the tall trees.

They could get fresh water from the river.

They could find nuts and acorns on the trees.

They could find roots and berries in the open spaces.

Model in sand the hills and uplands near the head of a river valley.Show where the trees grow.Where would you look for the roots and berries?Where would the cattle find grass?What else would the cattle need?Where would they find it?

Model in sand the hills and uplands near the head of a river valley.

Show where the trees grow.

Where would you look for the roots and berries?

Where would the cattle find grass?

What else would the cattle need?

Where would they find it?

Do you think Sharptooth had ever been away from the wooded hills near the head of the river valley?If she had gone into the dense forests, do you think she would have stayed there?Would it have been safe for her to walk on the ground?What way would have been safe at that time?Do you think Sharptooth would dare to go out on the grassy plains?Why did she like the wooded hills best?

Do you think Sharptooth had ever been away from the wooded hills near the head of the river valley?

If she had gone into the dense forests, do you think she would have stayed there?

Would it have been safe for her to walk on the ground?

What way would have been safe at that time?

Do you think Sharptooth would dare to go out on the grassy plains?

Why did she like the wooded hills best?

Sharptooth knew every spot on the wooded hills.But she seldom went to a strange place.see caption“She walked out upon a strong spreading branch”One day, though, she took a long journey.This is the way that it came about.She found plenty of roots and ripe blue berries.She ate until she was satisfied.Then she began to play among the trees.She walked out upon a strong spreading branch.Then she grasped a tough branch just over her head.She swung herself into a neighboring tree.Then she walked out on another branch.She swung herself into another tree.She traveled in this way for a long time.At last she came to a dense forest.How dark and damp it seemed!How still it was!She stopped her play.She began to feel tired and hungry; so she rested a while, and then searched for food.She found few signs of roots or berries.There were many trees, but nuts were scarce.So she ate the bark from the tender twigs.But she was not satisfied.She missed the roots and berries.She missed the bright sunshine.She missed familiar sights and sounds.So she soon went back to the wooded hills.Another day Sharptooth went to the edge of a grassy plain.see caption“Sharptooth hid in the tall green grass”There were many wild animals feeding there.She hid in the tall green grass and watched the wild cattle from her hiding-place.She saw mammoths eating the tender grass.There were smaller animals not far away.A lion was creeping up through the grass.Sharptooth saw him pounce upon the beasts.The frightened creatures ran for their lives.Sharptooth wished that she had not ventured so far.She watched for a chance to get away.As soon as she dared she crept to the trees.Then she hurried back to the wooded hills.She never forgot what she saw that day.see captionA lion

Sharptooth knew every spot on the wooded hills.

But she seldom went to a strange place.

see caption

“She walked out upon a strong spreading branch”

One day, though, she took a long journey.

This is the way that it came about.

She found plenty of roots and ripe blue berries.

She ate until she was satisfied.

Then she began to play among the trees.

She walked out upon a strong spreading branch.

Then she grasped a tough branch just over her head.

She swung herself into a neighboring tree.

Then she walked out on another branch.

She swung herself into another tree.

She traveled in this way for a long time.

At last she came to a dense forest.

How dark and damp it seemed!

How still it was!

She stopped her play.

She began to feel tired and hungry; so she rested a while, and then searched for food.

She found few signs of roots or berries.

There were many trees, but nuts were scarce.

So she ate the bark from the tender twigs.

But she was not satisfied.

She missed the roots and berries.

She missed the bright sunshine.

She missed familiar sights and sounds.

So she soon went back to the wooded hills.

Another day Sharptooth went to the edge of a grassy plain.

see caption

“Sharptooth hid in the tall green grass”

There were many wild animals feeding there.

She hid in the tall green grass and watched the wild cattle from her hiding-place.

She saw mammoths eating the tender grass.

There were smaller animals not far away.

A lion was creeping up through the grass.

Sharptooth saw him pounce upon the beasts.

The frightened creatures ran for their lives.

Sharptooth wished that she had not ventured so far.

She watched for a chance to get away.

As soon as she dared she crept to the trees.

Then she hurried back to the wooded hills.

She never forgot what she saw that day.

see caption

A lion

Think of Sharptooth as she was playing among the trees. Draw the picture.Think of what she saw when she was hiding in the tall grass. Draw the picture.Show on your sand map where the dense forest was.Show where the grassy plain was.Cut a lion and a mammoth from paper.

Think of Sharptooth as she was playing among the trees. Draw the picture.

Think of what she saw when she was hiding in the tall grass. Draw the picture.

Show on your sand map where the dense forest was.

Show where the grassy plain was.

Cut a lion and a mammoth from paper.

Can you think why the Tree-dwellers did not live in families as we do?Why did each one have to take care of himself?Who took care of the babies then?Do you know whether the baby Tree-dwellers could do anything for themselves?

Can you think why the Tree-dwellers did not live in families as we do?

Why did each one have to take care of himself?

Who took care of the babies then?

Do you know whether the baby Tree-dwellers could do anything for themselves?

We have learned that the Tree-dwellers had no homes.All the Tree-dwellers had a hard time to live, for they had not yet learned to help one another.It took many long years to learn to do that.But mothers have always taken care of their babies.Sharptooth’s mother had once taken care of her.But Sharptooth soon learned to take care of herself.Then she began to live as the other Tree-dwellers lived.She lived by herself the greater part of the time.She grew to be a strong young woman.Then a baby came to live with her.How proud she was of the little boy!Wherever she went she took him with her, for there was nothing else for her to do.There was no place where she dared to leave him, so the mother and baby were never apart.Sometimes the baby clung to her waist.Baby Tree-dwellers knew how to hold fast.Sometimes Sharptooth tied a vine around her waist.Then the baby clung to the vine.Sometimes he sat on her shoulder and clung to her head or neck.Sometimes he rode upon her back.Sharptooth helped him all that she could, but she needed her hands for other work.

We have learned that the Tree-dwellers had no homes.

All the Tree-dwellers had a hard time to live, for they had not yet learned to help one another.

It took many long years to learn to do that.

But mothers have always taken care of their babies.

Sharptooth’s mother had once taken care of her.

But Sharptooth soon learned to take care of herself.

Then she began to live as the other Tree-dwellers lived.

She lived by herself the greater part of the time.

She grew to be a strong young woman.

Then a baby came to live with her.

How proud she was of the little boy!

Wherever she went she took him with her, for there was nothing else for her to do.

There was no place where she dared to leave him, so the mother and baby were never apart.

Sometimes the baby clung to her waist.

Baby Tree-dwellers knew how to hold fast.

Sometimes Sharptooth tied a vine around her waist.

Then the baby clung to the vine.

Sometimes he sat on her shoulder and clung to her head or neck.

Sometimes he rode upon her back.

Sharptooth helped him all that she could, but she needed her hands for other work.

Show how your mamma carries your baby brother or sister.Show how Sharptooth carried her baby.Which of the babies do you think has the better care?How do you help to take care of the baby?Draw a picture of a mother and baby.

Show how your mamma carries your baby brother or sister.

Show how Sharptooth carried her baby.

Which of the babies do you think has the better care?

How do you help to take care of the baby?

Draw a picture of a mother and baby.

Sharptooth gathering berries

How many kinds of cradles have you seen?What kind of a cradle does your baby brother or sister have?What kind of a cradle do you think Sharptooth’s baby had?What kind of a lullaby would Sharptooth sing?What lullaby can you sing?

How many kinds of cradles have you seen?

What kind of a cradle does your baby brother or sister have?

What kind of a cradle do you think Sharptooth’s baby had?

What kind of a lullaby would Sharptooth sing?

What lullaby can you sing?

Sharptooth had climbed most of the trees on the wooded hills.She had slept in many of them.But she liked the old oak near the trail the best of all.Its strong spreading branches were covered with vines.Here was a place to lay the baby.While he slept among the vines, she gathered wild foods.But she never went far away, and she never stayed away long.There were panthers and wild cats on the hills.Sharptooth knew that they could climb the trees.Many a time they had nearly caught her.She was afraid that they would get the baby.So she always stayed near him while he slept.see caption“She made a safe place for the baby to sleep”When she stayed in a tree that had no vines, there was no place to lay the baby.So she wove the slender branches together.She made a safe place for the baby to sleep.She lulled him to sleep as he lay in her arms.Then she gently laid him upon his bed.She watched him a moment as he slept.A moment more and she, too, was asleep.

Sharptooth had climbed most of the trees on the wooded hills.

She had slept in many of them.

But she liked the old oak near the trail the best of all.

Its strong spreading branches were covered with vines.

Here was a place to lay the baby.

While he slept among the vines, she gathered wild foods.

But she never went far away, and she never stayed away long.

There were panthers and wild cats on the hills.

Sharptooth knew that they could climb the trees.

Many a time they had nearly caught her.

She was afraid that they would get the baby.

So she always stayed near him while he slept.

see caption

“She made a safe place for the baby to sleep”

When she stayed in a tree that had no vines, there was no place to lay the baby.

So she wove the slender branches together.

She made a safe place for the baby to sleep.

She lulled him to sleep as he lay in her arms.

Then she gently laid him upon his bed.

She watched him a moment as he slept.

A moment more and she, too, was asleep.

Think of Sharptooth as she was laying the baby down among the vine-covered branches. Draw the picture.Find some vines or branches and make a cradle.

Think of Sharptooth as she was laying the baby down among the vine-covered branches. Draw the picture.

Find some vines or branches and make a cradle.

There were a great many wild cattle when the Tree-dwellers lived.They were not so gentle as our cattle.They had wide-spreading horns.The fierce flesh-eating animals were always lying in wait for them.How could the wild cattle protect themselves from their enemies?

There were a great many wild cattle when the Tree-dwellers lived.

They were not so gentle as our cattle.

They had wide-spreading horns.

The fierce flesh-eating animals were always lying in wait for them.

How could the wild cattle protect themselves from their enemies?

see caption

“There were a great many wild cattle when the Tree-dwellers lived”

Where would they stay during the day?Where would they go at night?Why did they stay in herds?Where could they find water?What kind of banks does a river have at the drinking-places?Do you think the cattle would make paths to the drinking-places? How?

Where would they stay during the day?

Where would they go at night?

Why did they stay in herds?

Where could they find water?

What kind of banks does a river have at the drinking-places?

Do you think the cattle would make paths to the drinking-places? How?

The sun was just setting.Sharptooth was getting ready for the night.She was in the old oak tree.The baby had gone to sleep.As she put him down upon his bed she heard the mooing of the wild cattle.She looked out upon the hills.The wild cattle were coming down to the river to drink.She watched the long line winding down the trail.Other creatures were watching, too.Wild animals were coming out of their dens.A big bear passed close to Sharptooth’s tree.He had heard the mooing of the wild cattle.Wolves were prowling about.They, too, were watching the herd.see caption“They drank from the flowing stream”The cattle reached the river.They waded out.They drank from the flowing stream.They stood knee deep in the cool water.At last the leader turned to go.The others followed one by one.But some of the weaker ones lingered behind.They seemed tired.A big wolf watched them from a thicket.At length the cattle came out of the stream.They walked slowly along the bank.They passed close to the thicket.The wolf sprang out from his hiding-place.He seized the smallest creature.The others dashed off through the underbrush.They were too frightened to keep the path.They lost their way.Wolves and bears were lying in wait.They fell upon the frightened cattle.The herd was too far away to help.So the poor creatures lost their lives.But the wolves and bears had a feast.

The sun was just setting.

Sharptooth was getting ready for the night.

She was in the old oak tree.

The baby had gone to sleep.

As she put him down upon his bed she heard the mooing of the wild cattle.

She looked out upon the hills.

The wild cattle were coming down to the river to drink.

She watched the long line winding down the trail.

Other creatures were watching, too.

Wild animals were coming out of their dens.

A big bear passed close to Sharptooth’s tree.

He had heard the mooing of the wild cattle.

Wolves were prowling about.

They, too, were watching the herd.

see caption

“They drank from the flowing stream”

The cattle reached the river.

They waded out.

They drank from the flowing stream.

They stood knee deep in the cool water.

At last the leader turned to go.

The others followed one by one.

But some of the weaker ones lingered behind.

They seemed tired.

A big wolf watched them from a thicket.

At length the cattle came out of the stream.

They walked slowly along the bank.

They passed close to the thicket.

The wolf sprang out from his hiding-place.

He seized the smallest creature.

The others dashed off through the underbrush.

They were too frightened to keep the path.

They lost their way.

Wolves and bears were lying in wait.

They fell upon the frightened cattle.

The herd was too far away to help.

So the poor creatures lost their lives.

But the wolves and bears had a feast.

Model the wooded hills where the cattle fed by day.Model the grassy uplands where they fed by night.Show the trail that the cattle made.Make the banks at the drinking-place.Make the thickets and show where the wolf hid.

Model the wooded hills where the cattle fed by day.

Model the grassy uplands where they fed by night.

Show the trail that the cattle made.

Make the banks at the drinking-place.

Make the thickets and show where the wolf hid.

Why did the wild cattle feed on the grassy uplands at night instead of during the day?Where did they spend the day?When do the flesh-eating animals sleep?When do they hunt?Can they live without flesh to eat?Do you know whether they kill more than they need to eat?

Why did the wild cattle feed on the grassy uplands at night instead of during the day?

Where did they spend the day?

When do the flesh-eating animals sleep?

When do they hunt?

Can they live without flesh to eat?

Do you know whether they kill more than they need to eat?

It was now almost dark.The wild cattle had reached the grassy upland.They were feeding on the fresh grass.Sharptooth had watched them out of sight, and now she was getting sleepy.She could see nothing but dim shadows, but she could hear all sorts of sounds.Wild animals were coming out of their dens.Most of them had slept during the day, but now they were wide awake.see captionThe upper part of the river valleyHippopotamuses were snorting and blowing.They were splashing in the water.They were crashing through the underbrush along the banks.Straight-tusked elephants were trumpeting and bellowing.Lions were roaring.The hunted animals were seeking a place of refuge.Sharptooth was used to these sights and sounds.She felt safe in the old oak tree.She tied herself to a strong branch and soon was fast asleep.She slept all through the long night.Many of the wild beasts, too, were soon asleep.Some of the hunted creatures found places of refuge.Some beasts of prey were soon satisfied.Then they stole back to their dens and slept.But all of the wild animals did not fare so well.see caption“Hippopotamuses were snorting and blowing”Not all of the hunted creatures found places of refuge.Not all of the beasts of prey found food.Some beasts of prey hunted all through the night and were still hungry when morning came.

It was now almost dark.

The wild cattle had reached the grassy upland.

They were feeding on the fresh grass.

Sharptooth had watched them out of sight, and now she was getting sleepy.

She could see nothing but dim shadows, but she could hear all sorts of sounds.

Wild animals were coming out of their dens.

Most of them had slept during the day, but now they were wide awake.

see caption

The upper part of the river valley

Hippopotamuses were snorting and blowing.

They were splashing in the water.

They were crashing through the underbrush along the banks.

Straight-tusked elephants were trumpeting and bellowing.

Lions were roaring.

The hunted animals were seeking a place of refuge.

Sharptooth was used to these sights and sounds.

She felt safe in the old oak tree.

She tied herself to a strong branch and soon was fast asleep.

She slept all through the long night.

Many of the wild beasts, too, were soon asleep.

Some of the hunted creatures found places of refuge.

Some beasts of prey were soon satisfied.

Then they stole back to their dens and slept.

But all of the wild animals did not fare so well.

see caption

“Hippopotamuses were snorting and blowing”

Not all of the hunted creatures found places of refuge.

Not all of the beasts of prey found food.

Some beasts of prey hunted all through the night and were still hungry when morning came.

Cut a hippopotamus or a straight-tusked elephant from paper.Tell how little boys and girls that you know are taken care of at night.Tell how the Tree-dwellers took care of their children.

Cut a hippopotamus or a straight-tusked elephant from paper.

Tell how little boys and girls that you know are taken care of at night.

Tell how the Tree-dwellers took care of their children.

At the drinking-place the river banks were low.In many other places they were high and steep.In some places there was a solid wall of rock.In others the rocks were broken and worn.In some places there were deep holes in the rocks.We call these holes caves.They were made long ago.Can you think how they were made?Can you think what the caves were used for?

At the drinking-place the river banks were low.

In many other places they were high and steep.

In some places there was a solid wall of rock.

In others the rocks were broken and worn.

In some places there were deep holes in the rocks.

We call these holes caves.

They were made long ago.

Can you think how they were made?

Can you think what the caves were used for?

Before sunrise the next morning Sharptooth awoke.She opened her eyes and looked out upon the hills.see caption“Hyenas were stealing down to their caves”She heard animals moving about.A large cave-bear was passing by toward his cave.Hyenas, too, were stealing down to their caves.Many flesh-eating animals were slinking away to their dens.They were tired with their night’s work.Most of them had eaten until they were satisfied, and now they were ready to sleep through the day.The wild cattle were coming back to the hills.The baby awoke.Sharptooth played with him a moment.Then she put him under her arm and slipped down the tree.see caption“Sharptooth played with him a moment”She started down toward the river, but she did not go by the trail.It was safer to walk in the shadow of the tall trees.Once she suddenly grasped a branch of a tree and swung herself up and looked about.see caption“The animals were ready to sleep through the day”She had heard a rustling in the underbrush.Long ago she had learned what such sounds meant.So she swung on the branches until she reached the river.She listened a moment in the tree.Then she slipped down and ran to the water’s edge.She dipped up the water with her hand.She drank some, and then gave some to the baby.He was so pleased that he laughed aloud.As quick as a flash, Sharptooth sprang for the tree.She was afraid the hyenas were in the thickets.She was afraid they had heard the baby laugh.She talked to the baby in a strange language.She made queer clucking sounds.After that he was always quiet when they went to the river.He must have understood what she said.

Before sunrise the next morning Sharptooth awoke.

She opened her eyes and looked out upon the hills.

see caption

“Hyenas were stealing down to their caves”

She heard animals moving about.

A large cave-bear was passing by toward his cave.

Hyenas, too, were stealing down to their caves.

Many flesh-eating animals were slinking away to their dens.

They were tired with their night’s work.

Most of them had eaten until they were satisfied, and now they were ready to sleep through the day.

The wild cattle were coming back to the hills.

The baby awoke.

Sharptooth played with him a moment.

Then she put him under her arm and slipped down the tree.

see caption

“Sharptooth played with him a moment”

She started down toward the river, but she did not go by the trail.

It was safer to walk in the shadow of the tall trees.

Once she suddenly grasped a branch of a tree and swung herself up and looked about.

see caption

“The animals were ready to sleep through the day”

She had heard a rustling in the underbrush.

Long ago she had learned what such sounds meant.

So she swung on the branches until she reached the river.

She listened a moment in the tree.

Then she slipped down and ran to the water’s edge.

She dipped up the water with her hand.

She drank some, and then gave some to the baby.

He was so pleased that he laughed aloud.

As quick as a flash, Sharptooth sprang for the tree.

She was afraid the hyenas were in the thickets.

She was afraid they had heard the baby laugh.

She talked to the baby in a strange language.

She made queer clucking sounds.

After that he was always quiet when they went to the river.

He must have understood what she said.

If there is a cave near where you live, visit it.Model in sand some high river banks with caves.Show where Sharptooth went to drink, and where the hyenas were hiding.Show how she gave water to the baby.Show how she sprang for the tree when the baby laughed.Draw a picture of Sharptooth and the baby.Ask some one to read you the first story in Kipling’s Second Jungle Book.

If there is a cave near where you live, visit it.

Model in sand some high river banks with caves.

Show where Sharptooth went to drink, and where the hyenas were hiding.

Show how she gave water to the baby.

Show how she sprang for the tree when the baby laughed.

Draw a picture of Sharptooth and the baby.

Ask some one to read you the first story in Kipling’s Second Jungle Book.

Where do hogs live to-day? How are they taken care of?How do you think the wild hogs found food?Do you think the Tree-dwellers could learn anything by watching the wild hogs?What have you learned from animals?

Where do hogs live to-day? How are they taken care of?

How do you think the wild hogs found food?

Do you think the Tree-dwellers could learn anything by watching the wild hogs?

What have you learned from animals?

The sun had now been up for some time.Sharptooth was getting hungry.She picked a handful of wild plums from the thicket, but she wanted something more.She kept on down the hill.The wild hogs were rooting under the oak trees.She wondered what they found there, so she stepped near enough to see.see captionA wild hogThey were eating something round and black.She watched them for a long time.As soon as they started off toward the marsh, Sharptooth ran down to the trees.She saw the loose earth that the hogs had rooted up.Then she began to dig where it had not been loosened.She had nothing to dig with except her hands, but she was not afraid to dig with them.She soon felt something that was round and hard.She dug it up and looked at it.It was a truffle.It was black and warty on the outside.She bit off a piece.It was white inside.She tasted it and found that it was good, so she dug another and ate it.She wondered how the wild hogs knew that the truffles were there.Perhaps you can tell.Perhaps you have heard stories of how hogs dig truffles in France to-day.

The sun had now been up for some time.

Sharptooth was getting hungry.

She picked a handful of wild plums from the thicket, but she wanted something more.

She kept on down the hill.

The wild hogs were rooting under the oak trees.

She wondered what they found there, so she stepped near enough to see.

see caption

A wild hog

They were eating something round and black.

She watched them for a long time.

As soon as they started off toward the marsh, Sharptooth ran down to the trees.

She saw the loose earth that the hogs had rooted up.

Then she began to dig where it had not been loosened.

She had nothing to dig with except her hands, but she was not afraid to dig with them.

She soon felt something that was round and hard.

She dug it up and looked at it.

It was a truffle.

It was black and warty on the outside.

She bit off a piece.

It was white inside.

She tasted it and found that it was good, so she dug another and ate it.

She wondered how the wild hogs knew that the truffles were there.

Perhaps you can tell.

Perhaps you have heard stories of how hogs dig truffles in France to-day.

Collect five or six vegetables or fruits.Blindfold some one and let him smell of one of the vegetables and guess what it is.When he guesses right, blindfold some one else.When you have a chance, dig a root with your hands, then dig one with a sharp stick.Which way is the easier?

Collect five or six vegetables or fruits.

Blindfold some one and let him smell of one of the vegetables and guess what it is.

When he guesses right, blindfold some one else.

When you have a chance, dig a root with your hands, then dig one with a sharp stick.

Which way is the easier?

Can you think how the wild hogs protected themselves?Do hogs have tusks now?Can you think why the wild hogs were not as fat as our hogs?

Can you think how the wild hogs protected themselves?

Do hogs have tusks now?

Can you think why the wild hogs were not as fat as our hogs?

Sharptooth watched the wild hogs every day.She learned many things from them.They were peaceable creatures when not disturbed.They lived on fruits, wild nuts, and roots.When they had eaten all they wanted, they went down to the river or lake.They hid in the reedy marshes.They hid in the thorny thickets.But they always kept together.Sharptooth watched them from a tree.There were tiny little pigs with long, light stripes.They kept close to their mothers.There were larger pigs that had lost their stripes.They, too, stayed with their mothers.There were wild boars about three years old.see caption“There were larger pigs that had lost their stripes”They did not go far from their mothers.They were not strong enough yet to protect themselves.There were many full-grown hogs.There were fierce boars with long tusks.Sharptooth watched them eating acorns.A pack of hyenas was watching, too.They were hiding in the underbrush.They were lying in wait for the smaller pigs.But the old hogs scented danger.They gathered the little pigs together.The stronger ones stood in a circle around them.Their white tusks glistened in the sunlight.They were ready to fight for their young.The hyenas were afraid.They sneaked away in the underbrush.The little pigs were safe.

Sharptooth watched the wild hogs every day.

She learned many things from them.

They were peaceable creatures when not disturbed.

They lived on fruits, wild nuts, and roots.

When they had eaten all they wanted, they went down to the river or lake.

They hid in the reedy marshes.

They hid in the thorny thickets.

But they always kept together.

Sharptooth watched them from a tree.

There were tiny little pigs with long, light stripes.

They kept close to their mothers.

There were larger pigs that had lost their stripes.

They, too, stayed with their mothers.

There were wild boars about three years old.

see caption

“There were larger pigs that had lost their stripes”

They did not go far from their mothers.

They were not strong enough yet to protect themselves.

There were many full-grown hogs.

There were fierce boars with long tusks.

Sharptooth watched them eating acorns.

A pack of hyenas was watching, too.

They were hiding in the underbrush.

They were lying in wait for the smaller pigs.

But the old hogs scented danger.

They gathered the little pigs together.

The stronger ones stood in a circle around them.

Their white tusks glistened in the sunlight.

They were ready to fight for their young.

The hyenas were afraid.

They sneaked away in the underbrush.

The little pigs were safe.

Show how the wild hogs protected the little pigs.Show how the hyenas came up and sneaked away.Cut some wild hogs from paper.

Show how the wild hogs protected the little pigs.

Show how the hyenas came up and sneaked away.

Cut some wild hogs from paper.

Do you think that the Tree-dwellers had schools?What did their children need to know?How would they teach them?Have you ever seen a cat teaching her kittens?Have you ever tried to teach a baby?What can you teach the baby to do?What do you need to have done for you?What can you do to help yourself?What can you do to help others?

Do you think that the Tree-dwellers had schools?

What did their children need to know?

How would they teach them?

Have you ever seen a cat teaching her kittens?

Have you ever tried to teach a baby?

What can you teach the baby to do?

What do you need to have done for you?

What can you do to help yourself?

What can you do to help others?

Sharptooth’s baby had grown to be a large boy.He was now about seven years old.His mother called him Bodo.Bodo did not have to wash his face.He did not have to wear any clothes.He had no clothes to wear.He did not have to go to school.There were no schools then.But he learned a great many things.His mother was his first teacher.She taught him where to find the ripe berries.She taught him where to dig for roots.She taught him how to catch birds and squirrels.She taught him how to hide from the wild animals.She taught him to keep so still that he might be taken for a hump on a log.She taught him all that she knew.Bodo learned his lessons well.He always obeyed his mother.Sometimes he saw other Tree-dwellers.He had seen them snatch food from his mother’s hand.He had seen them help her, too.But usually each Tree-dweller took care of himself.Bodo was learning to take care of himself.He was beginning to feel that he was almost a man.One day he caught a pig without any help.The next day his mother let him hunt all alone.She knew now that he could find his own food.After that Bodo always hunted alone.Sometimes he saw his mother, but she no longer found food for him.She had another baby to care for, so Bodo knew that he must take care of himself.When the Tree-dwellers lived nobody ever thought of taking care of a child who was able to find his own food.

Sharptooth’s baby had grown to be a large boy.

He was now about seven years old.

His mother called him Bodo.

Bodo did not have to wash his face.

He did not have to wear any clothes.

He had no clothes to wear.

He did not have to go to school.

There were no schools then.

But he learned a great many things.

His mother was his first teacher.

She taught him where to find the ripe berries.

She taught him where to dig for roots.

She taught him how to catch birds and squirrels.

She taught him how to hide from the wild animals.

She taught him to keep so still that he might be taken for a hump on a log.

She taught him all that she knew.

Bodo learned his lessons well.

He always obeyed his mother.

Sometimes he saw other Tree-dwellers.

He had seen them snatch food from his mother’s hand.

He had seen them help her, too.

But usually each Tree-dweller took care of himself.

Bodo was learning to take care of himself.

He was beginning to feel that he was almost a man.

One day he caught a pig without any help.

The next day his mother let him hunt all alone.

She knew now that he could find his own food.

After that Bodo always hunted alone.

Sometimes he saw his mother, but she no longer found food for him.

She had another baby to care for, so Bodo knew that he must take care of himself.

When the Tree-dwellers lived nobody ever thought of taking care of a child who was able to find his own food.

see caption

“Bodo caught a pig without any help”

Show how you teach your baby brother or sister to walk.Draw the picture.Show how Sharptooth taught Bodo.Tell a story of how Bodo caught a little wild pig that had wandered away from its mother.

Show how you teach your baby brother or sister to walk.

Draw the picture.

Show how Sharptooth taught Bodo.

Tell a story of how Bodo caught a little wild pig that had wandered away from its mother.

What do you think Bodo would do when he left his mother?Who would teach him now?Do you think that he could find birds’ eggs?What do you think he would do with them?Do you know any one who has a collection of birds’ eggs?What would happen to the birds if we all made collections?How do birds help us?How do we help them?How can we coax them to live near us?

What do you think Bodo would do when he left his mother?

Who would teach him now?

Do you think that he could find birds’ eggs?

What do you think he would do with them?

Do you know any one who has a collection of birds’ eggs?

What would happen to the birds if we all made collections?

How do birds help us?

How do we help them?

How can we coax them to live near us?

see caption

“The bear started up and growled”

Although Bodo was glad to take care of himself, he often wished that his mother were near.Sometimes he called to her.When she heard his call she would answer him.Then he would swing on the branches until he found her.But sometimes she was too far away to hear.Then he listened in vain for her answering call.Sometimes it was hard work to keep back the tears.Once he sobbed so loud that a sleepy bear heard him.The bear started up and began to growl.Bodo hid in the branches of a tall tree.He stayed there until the bear went away.Then he was very hungry.As he started out to find something to eat, he heard a rustling among the branches.see caption“It was only a boy who washunting birds’ eggs”He listened.Bodo hoped that his mother was coming.But it was only a boy who was hunting birds’ eggs.Bodo watched him climb among the branches.He watched him suck the eggs that he found.How he wished that he might find some eggs!He began to look for some.In a moment he saw a bird’s nest above him.He climbed up the branch and peeped into the nest.There were three beautiful eggs.His eyes danced with joy.He sucked the eggs.Then he smacked his lips and hunted for more.

Although Bodo was glad to take care of himself, he often wished that his mother were near.

Sometimes he called to her.

When she heard his call she would answer him.

Then he would swing on the branches until he found her.

But sometimes she was too far away to hear.

Then he listened in vain for her answering call.

Sometimes it was hard work to keep back the tears.

Once he sobbed so loud that a sleepy bear heard him.

The bear started up and began to growl.

Bodo hid in the branches of a tall tree.

He stayed there until the bear went away.

Then he was very hungry.

As he started out to find something to eat, he heard a rustling among the branches.

He listened.

Bodo hoped that his mother was coming.

But it was only a boy who was hunting birds’ eggs.

Bodo watched him climb among the branches.

He watched him suck the eggs that he found.

How he wished that he might find some eggs!

He began to look for some.

In a moment he saw a bird’s nest above him.

He climbed up the branch and peeped into the nest.

There were three beautiful eggs.

His eyes danced with joy.

He sucked the eggs.

Then he smacked his lips and hunted for more.

Show what the bear did when he heard Bodo sobbing.Draw the picture of the bear.Model a bird’s nest in clay.Ask some one to read you the story of a little baby who lived with some wolves. It is in the Jungle Book.

Show what the bear did when he heard Bodo sobbing.

Draw the picture of the bear.

Model a bird’s nest in clay.

Ask some one to read you the story of a little baby who lived with some wolves. It is in the Jungle Book.

Do you think that Bodo ever had any bread and sugar?Did he ever have any candy?What could he find that was sweet?How do bees make their honey?Where do they store it?

Do you think that Bodo ever had any bread and sugar?

Did he ever have any candy?

What could he find that was sweet?

How do bees make their honey?

Where do they store it?

Bodo never had any candy.Nobody knew how to make it.But he knew where to find the wild honey.He had found some one day in a hollow tree.He learned to track a bee home to its tree.When he found a bee-tree he robbed the swarm.Sometimes the bees stung him, but he was used to getting hurt.

Bodo never had any candy.

Nobody knew how to make it.

But he knew where to find the wild honey.

He had found some one day in a hollow tree.

He learned to track a bee home to its tree.

When he found a bee-tree he robbed the swarm.

Sometimes the bees stung him, but he was used to getting hurt.

Watch the bees as they gather honey from the flowers.What flowers do they visit?Do all bees look alike? Do all bees do the same kind of work?Draw a picture that will show how they work among the flowers.See if you can find some wild honey.

Watch the bees as they gather honey from the flowers.

What flowers do they visit?

Do all bees look alike? Do all bees do the same kind of work?

Draw a picture that will show how they work among the flowers.

See if you can find some wild honey.

“The bees stung him”

Do you think that the wild horses had leaders for their herds?What would the leader have to do?What might happen to the horses that did not follow the leader?What could Bodo learn by watching the wild horses?

Do you think that the wild horses had leaders for their herds?

What would the leader have to do?

What might happen to the horses that did not follow the leader?

What could Bodo learn by watching the wild horses?

Two or three years passed by.Bodo was now about ten years old.He still lived on the wooded hills.One afternoon he went to the river.The wild horses were drinking there.Bodo watched them wade through the shallow water.He watched them toss their shaggy manes.He listened to their whinnying calls.He tried to whinny, too.The horses drank until they were satisfied, then they started toward their evening pasture.see caption“Bodo watched them wade through the shallow water”The largest horse led the herd up the trail.Others followed one by one.What a long line they made!The leader was far away over the hill before all the horses had left the stream.see caption“Farther out was a herd of mammoths”The smallest and the weakest ones lagged behind.Spotted hyenas were lying in wait for them.Bodo wondered if he could catch a wild horse.He wondered where the horses went at night.He followed the herd a long, long way.He went swinging along from branch to branch.At last he came to a grassy plain.He did not dare to go out on the plain.see captionA bisonSo he sat on a branch and peeped through the leaves.Wild horses were feeding on the edge of the plain.Farther out there was a herd of mammoths.Beyond these still other herds were feeding.They may have been bisons or wild cattle.All these animals were eating the fresh green grass.Bodo watched them till nearly sunset.But while the sky was still red in the west, Bodo tied himself to a branch and fell asleep.

Two or three years passed by.

Bodo was now about ten years old.

He still lived on the wooded hills.

One afternoon he went to the river.

The wild horses were drinking there.

Bodo watched them wade through the shallow water.

He watched them toss their shaggy manes.

He listened to their whinnying calls.

He tried to whinny, too.

The horses drank until they were satisfied, then they started toward their evening pasture.

see caption

“Bodo watched them wade through the shallow water”

The largest horse led the herd up the trail.

Others followed one by one.

What a long line they made!

The leader was far away over the hill before all the horses had left the stream.

see caption

“Farther out was a herd of mammoths”

The smallest and the weakest ones lagged behind.

Spotted hyenas were lying in wait for them.

Bodo wondered if he could catch a wild horse.

He wondered where the horses went at night.

He followed the herd a long, long way.

He went swinging along from branch to branch.

At last he came to a grassy plain.

He did not dare to go out on the plain.

see caption

A bison

So he sat on a branch and peeped through the leaves.

Wild horses were feeding on the edge of the plain.

Farther out there was a herd of mammoths.

Beyond these still other herds were feeding.

They may have been bisons or wild cattle.

All these animals were eating the fresh green grass.

Bodo watched them till nearly sunset.

But while the sky was still red in the west, Bodo tied himself to a branch and fell asleep.

Cut from paper some of the wild animals that Bodo saw eating grass.Make a picture of what Bodo saw when he was in the tree.

Cut from paper some of the wild animals that Bodo saw eating grass.

Make a picture of what Bodo saw when he was in the tree.

Can you think why our horses are larger than the wild horses?How many toes does a horse have on each foot? On what part of the foot does he walk? Where is the horse’s heel? Do you think the horse’s foot has always been the same shape that it is to-day?On what part of the foot does the cow walk? How many toes does she have?On what part of the foot does the cat walk? How many toes does she have?

Can you think why our horses are larger than the wild horses?

How many toes does a horse have on each foot? On what part of the foot does he walk? Where is the horse’s heel? Do you think the horse’s foot has always been the same shape that it is to-day?

On what part of the foot does the cow walk? How many toes does she have?

On what part of the foot does the cat walk? How many toes does she have?

The wild horses that Bodo saw were about the size of ponies.Long before the Tree-dwellers lived there were horse-like creatures the size of a fox.Long before that there was a time when there were no horses at all.Great reptiles moved about on the land, they swam in the seas, or they flew through the air.All other creatures feared them.The tiny mammals that lived then were about the size of rats and mice, but these mammals were not like rats and mice.The little mammals ran, but they did not run fast, for their feet were not well fitted for running.They climbed rocks and trunks of trees, and hid in holes in the ground.They ate the eggs of the large reptiles, and became their enemies.see captionA reptileMillions of years passed; great changes took place.Parts of the land slowly sank beneath the seas, and out of the seas rose dry land.Most of the larger reptiles died, but the mammals multiplied.They grew to be as large as the fox or the sheep.At first they were all very much alike and they lived in about the same way.But as they became more and more unlike they had very different ways.Some became like cats, and some like dogs.see captionAn ancestor of our mammalsSome became like rhinoceroses and some like hogs.Others became like monkeys, and still others became like horses.

The wild horses that Bodo saw were about the size of ponies.

Long before the Tree-dwellers lived there were horse-like creatures the size of a fox.

Long before that there was a time when there were no horses at all.

Great reptiles moved about on the land, they swam in the seas, or they flew through the air.

All other creatures feared them.

The tiny mammals that lived then were about the size of rats and mice, but these mammals were not like rats and mice.

The little mammals ran, but they did not run fast, for their feet were not well fitted for running.

They climbed rocks and trunks of trees, and hid in holes in the ground.

They ate the eggs of the large reptiles, and became their enemies.

see caption

A reptile

Millions of years passed; great changes took place.

Parts of the land slowly sank beneath the seas, and out of the seas rose dry land.

Most of the larger reptiles died, but the mammals multiplied.

They grew to be as large as the fox or the sheep.

At first they were all very much alike and they lived in about the same way.

But as they became more and more unlike they had very different ways.

Some became like cats, and some like dogs.

see caption

An ancestor of our mammals

Some became like rhinoceroses and some like hogs.

Others became like monkeys, and still others became like horses.

Look at the picture above and tell how this animal must have changed to become more like a dog, a cat, a pig, a cow, or a horse.

Look at the picture above and tell how this animal must have changed to become more like a dog, a cat, a pig, a cow, or a horse.

What part of the wild horse’s foot touched the ground when he ran?What happens to muscles that are not used? What happens to muscles that are used most?

What part of the wild horse’s foot touched the ground when he ran?

What happens to muscles that are not used? What happens to muscles that are used most?


Back to IndexNext