SCHOOL SOCIE TIES. I 7 



ingly valuable. The Agassiz Association does not so 

 much care for rarities or monstrosities. Our cabinets 

 are neither junk-shops nor dime-museums. Our pur- 

 pose is rather to learn about the stones by the road- 

 side and in the quarry ; to become familiar with the 

 plants we pass on our way to school, and with the 

 insects that feed upon and fertilize them ; to get on 

 speaking terms with, and out of all cruel relations to, 

 each warbler of the orchard and the wildwood ; to dis- 

 cover what fishes swim in our brooks, what shells sing 

 on our beaches and hide in our groves, what invisible 

 animalcules live in our ponds and ditches, what stars 

 shine in our sky. It was a dream of Louis Agassiz 

 himself to see American youth early led into the 

 pleasant paths of natural science ; to see them for- 

 saking all foolish and wanton sport for the sake of a 

 wise and loving study of the works of God. 



Every teacher has at some time felt how delightful it 

 would be if she could only lead her pupils to see the 

 inexpressible beauty that lies hid from unawakened 

 eyes in pebble, and leaf, and wing. But many have 

 been discouraged from making any serious endeavor 

 from fear of failure. It is better to try and fail, than 

 fail for fear of trying. It must be admitted, however, 

 that there are usually serious hindrances in the way. 

 First of all many teachers feel that they are already 

 working at too high a tension. Then, others, not hav- 

 ing enjoyed special training in natural science, feel a 

 modest reluctance about attempting to train others. 

 In other cases it is found difficult to inspire and main- 

 tain among the young a strong and growing interest in 

 these matters. The first of these objections can be met 

 by making the association-work an avocation instead 

 of a vocation ; a calling from work, instead of a call- 

 ing to it. Take your pupils with you for an occasional 

 afternoon, if you can get leave of absence ; and, my 



