davis] PROGRESS OF NATURE-STUDY IN CALIFORNIA 263 



Eight junior societies have been organized, and by means of its publi- 

 cations many more schools not represented by junior societies are 

 being reached. Much credit is due Mr. W. Scott Way, secretary of 

 the State Society, for his untiring energy and devotion to cause of 

 bringing about as he says "a better understanding between man and 

 his friends, the birds." To this end he has planned to put the 

 Society's educational literature into every school in California. 



Especial reference should be made to the work in nature-study in 

 the public schools of Los Angeles and Oakland. In the former city 

 Mr. George Leslie has instituted an unique organization which includes 

 not only the work of nature -study in the grades but science in the 

 high schools as well. Space does not permit of more than a passing 

 mention of this work, but I may add that not the least important 

 feature is the work of the high-school science teachers in helping the 

 teachers of the grades. 



In the latter city Miss Bertha Chapman has given a splendid object 

 lesson in the use of school-gardens as a working center around which 

 to group most of the nature-study activities of the schools. 



Many other individual workers deserve mention for the contribu- 

 tions which they are making to the progress of nature-study in the 

 State, but lack of space forbids. 



Various publications bearing on different aspects of nature-study 

 have appeared from time to time. The following annotated list, 

 arranged in chronological order, although not complete, will indicate 

 something of the character and scope of this literature: 



"A Popular California Flora:" Volney Rattan. San Francisco, Bancroft 

 Co., first ed. 1879, eighth ed. 1S91, pp. 252. This is a manual of botany for 

 beginners with illustrative introductory lessons especially adapted to the Pacific 

 Coast. The fact that this book has passed into its eighth edition is sufficient 

 comment upon its popularity. For a long time it was the only manual of the 

 California flora within reach of the average teacher. Many teachers who were 

 interested in California wild flowers have used it with their pupils. It has 

 undoubtedly been of great service in spreading a knowledge of our common 

 native plants. 



"Insects, Injurious and Beneficial:" Matthew Cooke. San Francisco, Ban- 

 croft Co., 1883, pp. 171. Reference has already been made to this book. It 

 was designed as "an elementary text-book for u-e of schools." It is well illus- 

 trated and contains a good deal of natural history as well as classification. As a 

 book of reference it has been very useful, although the experiment of making 

 the teaching of entomology mandatory in the public schools failed. 



"Exercises in Botany:" Volney Rattan. San Francisco. Whitaker and Ray 



