156 THE TEACHING BOTANIST 



adaptations of the principal groups of plants from 

 the lowest Algae to the higher Phanerogams. 



In Division I a beginning is made with large, sim- 

 ple, somewhat familiar objects, requiring no tools, 

 but only the undivided attention of eye and thought. 

 It is sought first to form the scientific instinct, the 

 habit of observation, comparison, and experiment. 

 Later, the simpler tools are gradually introduced, and 

 the less familiar materials and topics. Experiments, 

 arranged to be tried with apparatus as simple and 

 inexpensive as possible, are introduced along with 

 the particular structures they throw most light upon. 

 Every new topic is presented to the student in the 

 form of a problem so arranged as to be solved 

 through proper inductive processes by his own 

 efforts. Practically, they form a series of original 

 investigations. These problems are introduced by 

 questions asked in a form to direct attention to the 

 leading facts and phases of the subject. Indeed, the 

 form of the questions is one of the most important 

 features of such outlines as these, for they may be 

 made to dissipate or to conserve energy, and are the 

 chief means at command of the teacher for direct- 

 ing observation and comparison along the most use- 

 ful lines. It is by no means only the easiest or most 

 familiar topics and experiments which are here rec- 

 ommended, but a direct attack has been made upon 

 the most fundamental and important. 



