5% THE JVA TURE-STUDY RE VIE IV [s . 2 _ FEE ., 19 o 7 



Why should plants, the heavenly bodies, the weather, physical and chemi- 

 cal forces, and even the soil itself receive no notice, when every moment they 

 thrust themselves upon our attention and we must take cognizance of them ? 

 And how can we have any intelligent notion of the life of animals, even, 

 without some knowledge of their vital relations to these others ? 



Isn't it better to gain some ability to see facts, some power to see relations 

 between different forms of life, some power to draw conclusions from observed 

 facts and above all to gain interest which shall lead to a continuance of such 

 study after school days are over ? And ought we not to recognize the fact 

 that while one aspect of nature appeals to one portion of the school, other 

 phrases are more interesting to other portions ? What provision does Dr. 

 Hornaday make for those activities both mental and physical which at the 

 period of life which he has in mind are so noticeable, and which should be 

 made to conduce to the welfare of the child and of society ? 



What shall the pupils of the "primary department" who have not "reason 

 and sense," do? How shall they acquire these desirable possessions ? 



Aren't many of the evils of the day the direct result of taking everything 

 upon authority, memorizing what was put before us, and then when some 

 facts were found contrary to the teaching received, cause a complete over- 

 throw ? 



Would it not be better to cultivate that form of mind which shall ' 'prove 

 all things, hold fast that which is good — and true " ? 



Office of Supervisor of Nature-Study, tannie A. OTEBBINS. 



Springfield, Mass. 



