520 POPULAR SCIENCE MONTHLY. 



and in view of the crowded curriculum and consequent weariness of the 

 pupils, one fears that in many instances the effects of a nature study 

 course may be the reverse of those desired. There may be fatigue and 

 disgust with the whole subject.* 



Most of the naturalists who have kindly written me about their early 

 life state that their interest began in the woods and fields anywhere 

 but in the town. It would seem that the chances are very much against 

 a naturalist born in the city, notwithstanding certain presumed advan- 

 tages in the way of education, f A good typical instance of the influence 

 of country life is given by Dr. John M. Coulter, the well-known bota- 

 nist, who writes: 



I was brought up in a village and had a strong out-of-door tendency. 

 This took me into the ravines, and woods, and along the streams in the 

 neighborhood almost constantly. My interest for collecting things runs back 

 to a time I cannot recall. The actual selection of botany among other out- 

 of-door subjects was probably determined by the lines of least resistance, in the 

 form of opportunities presented. (Litt., October 24, 1901.) 



* Many an English boy has acquired a distaste for the Bible from having 

 to learn chapters by heart, lists of the kings of Israel, and so forth; and this 

 often on Sundays, depriving him of the rest and recreation to which he feels 

 entitled. 



f One thing in favor of the city is the museum, where it exists. It is un- 

 doubtedly a factor of great importance, as will be shown later on. 



