198 The Ottawa Naturalist. [January 



Nature Study is the Public School equivalent of the natural 

 science of secondary schools. In Baldwin's "Applied Psycholog'y" 

 science is placed highest, in his estimate of the relative value of 

 different studies. The method of science is to ascertain unknown 

 truths by experimental observation. The end of scientific inves- 

 tigation is to arrive at great fundamental principles. Though the 

 genius does not necessarily observe the following progressive 

 steps, they may be regarded as indicating the scientific method. 



1. Observation of phenomena and accumulation ot facts. 



2. Classification of facts. 



3. Induction or inference based on observed facts. 



4. Deduction from inference. Is the hypothesis workable? 



5. Modification, correction, or verification ot hypothesis. 



6. Enunciation of a theory. 



7. Application of theory in subsequent investigaiions. 



8. Unification of the theory with some Law of Nature. 



" When Nature becomes the subject of study, the love of 

 Nature its stimulus, and the order of Nature its guide, then will 

 results in education rival the achievements of Science in the fields 

 of its noblest triumphs." Some ot the benefits to be derived are : 



Independence. The constant exercise of the power of 

 individual investigation is the best possible preparation for prac- 

 tical life where success depends largely upon personal effort. 

 School should be an integral, harmonious and indispensable part 

 of life. 



Liberality. The habitual hesitancy to generalize on what 

 may be insufficient data, and the consciousness of one's liability to 

 err, tends to develop liberality in dealing with the opinions ol 

 others. 



Truth. Reality is attained not so much by learning the 

 the dogma of another, but by continued personal investig iti in. 

 Truth is not the peculiar property of the teacher, but is revealed 

 to him who diligently seeks it. The truth seeker does not combat 

 recently ascertained knowledge but accepts it gladly. 



Unity. The continued effort to discover unity amid ap- 

 parent diversity results in mental exhilaration and intellectual 

 satisfaction and security. One realizes that the universe is not 

 governed by caprice, but by 



