For most of the mental operations the three senses already treated are
the more important ones. There are some trades in which the senses of
taste and smell are also important. These can be cultivated readily by
exercises of any nature that stimulate an effort on the part of the
children. Many ideas will suggest themselves to you from those given
for the other senses.
It is advisable to do a good deal of the practice blindfolded so as to
separate entirely the sense of sight, and force dependence upon the
senses of taste and smell.
These two senses are very closely allied. Try the experiment of
determining the difference in tea, coffee, milk and water while the
eyes are covered and the nose held tightly closed.
The degree to which these two senses can be developed is illustrated by
the proficiency which is shown by experts and testers who grade tea,
coffee and tobacco.
The usefulness of their development is to a large degree only of value
to those engaged in these lines of trade. The opportunity for their
development comes rarely except in connection with work in the trades,
and for that reason will not be dealt with at any length here.