262 NATURE-STUDY REVIEW [12:6-Sept., 1916 



of the Chestnut bark disease. The Fish Commission has an ex- 

 hibit which has been sent to the Panama-Pacific Exposition, why 

 not use it at home? The Shellfish Commission will furnish shell- 

 fish of all kinds for nature lessons in the school. The Normal 

 School has its loan material. There are people on all sides willing 

 to help the children of the state to know these important questions 

 of their lives. 



The Nature-study Exhibit which was held at the time of the 

 Institute was a revelation as to what is being done in the schools 

 of the state in this line. Nearly every organization contributed 

 something to illustrate what they were doing. One boy exhibited 

 his potatoes and another a plate of ground almonds. If there are 

 improved ways of raising the well known vegetables we want to 

 know about it and if there are new crops that we can and should 

 be raising in Rhode Island this is the way we can find it out. These 

 exhibitions should be held oftener. We must assume that every 

 teacher has some one thing that he is sure is a contribution to bet- 

 ter teaching. He should be encouraged to exhibit and explain it. 

 If each one will do his part the exhibit will become such an impor- 

 tant clearing house and source of information that we will not be 

 able to get along without it. 



In closing, will say that I have tried to explain what Nature- 

 study is and to name some of the nature values. Every commu- 

 nity has its solid nature-facts. Recognize them. The many door- 

 ways to nature's granary are open. The opportunity is yours. 

 It is our duty to help the child to face the facts of daily life, to 

 open the windows to the substantial and progressive facts of nat- 

 ural science. Go forth and teach! 



