hodgeJ NATURE-STUDY WORK WITH IXSECTS 265 



point of view of a sympathetic appreciation of animals. It was prepared "for 

 the purpose of aiding teachers in carrying out the provisions of a recent amend- 

 ment to Section 1665 of the Political Code of California, prescribing instruction 

 in humane education." 



It will be seen from the foregoing discussion that nature-study in 

 California has developed from something more or less indefinite, and 

 practiced at irregular periods in a few schools, to a subject of consid- 

 erable importance with a tolerably definite place in the school system 

 of the state. The forces now at work are making it more definite in 

 the minds of the teachers and useful as a school subject. As the 

 problem of subject-matter and method is now being studied as never 

 before, from many points of view the outlook for the future is very 

 hopeful. 



NATURE-STUDY WORK WITH INSECTS 



By C F. HODGE and photographs by 0. P. DELLINGER 

 Clark University, Worcester, Mass. 



No teacher who has not given the matter a fair trial can realize the 

 almost boundless resources which our common insect life affords for 

 lessons of practical interest and value. Some years ago, in revising 

 the course for science lessons in the Worcester schools, a few com- 

 mon insects were assigned to each grade for study during the year. 

 In the old course, as is commonly the case, the common flowering plants 

 and trees were well covered, and the revision was ordered largely with a 

 view of including the animal side of nature-study. The following case 

 may be cited to give the general reaction of the teachers to the 

 innovation: 



One of the principals, Mr.L — , at the first meeting with his teach- 

 ers in the fall, called attention to the changes in the science course 

 and said in effect: "The people request us, as indicated by the 

 printed course of study with which we are provided, to give instruc- 

 tion about the common insects of the city. The request is reason- 

 able, and while we may not be able the first year to take up all 

 the insects suggested for study under each grade, I shall expect each 

 teacher in the building to make a beginning this fall. If we will not 

 or cannot do it, the people will find someone who can." 



