198 NATURE-STUDY REVIEW 



So come to the all-star circus 

 There is never a penny to pay 

 And if you should chance to be thirsty, 

 You may drink from the Milky Way! 



NATURE STUDY IN THE WOMAN'S CLUB ERIE, PENNSYLVANIA 



From a small group of nature enthusiasts who had cultivated their taste 

 for the out-of-doors by doing field-work together for several years, the Nature- 

 Study Department of the Woman's Club of Erie was formed. Under their 

 guidance there has grown up a large and interested group of people eager to 

 learn of nature from whatever source available. 



Indoor meetings are held with talks on various topics, mainly flowers, 

 birds, and trees. But astronomy and geology contribute their share. 



Out-door meetings give opportunity for actual experiences in the field, 

 the chief delight of a true nature lover. Here each individual can be his 

 own Columbus, discovering America. 



Erie has a natural location affording good opportunities for study. Lake 

 Erie, and the bay (five miles long by two miles wide) enclosed by the wild 

 and densely wooded peninsula of Presque Isle, attract water and game birds. 

 This seems to be a natural migration route for birds to and from Canada. 

 The peninsula has many interesting botanical features and is often visited 

 and studied by scientists from away. 



The field trips are eagerly anticipated. Simplicity of arrangements con- 

 tribute much to their popularity. Easily accessible places are 

 chosen and each member provides her own lunch. General discussion 

 of observations by all members as we are assembled for lunch makes the work 

 interesting. 



Our Nature Study Department is helping to foster a love for the vanishing 

 species of wild life. We urge protection for future generations to enjoy. The 

 results of the department's work are being felt more and more throughout 

 the city. This is evidenced by the many bird boxes, bird baths and feeding 

 stations seen, by fewer stray cats, by the cultivation of more flower gardens, 

 and a wider interest in the preservation of the peninsula. 



The following program shows the varied interests of members. Special 

 mention should be made of the Round Table Discussions. The leader de- 

 velops the topic and asks several members to talk on different phases; So 

 that a larger number of people become interested. Every member is willing 

 to help, although some might hesitate to attempt a large subject. In this 

 way future leaders are developed, and at the same time a good deal of infor- 

 mation is absorbed. 



Subjects have for the most part been treated informally. Instruction and 

 entertainment have been sought rather than deep scientific discussion. Our 

 Round Table on Nature Books was one of our best programs. Everyone 

 brought her favorite books for inspection by all. 



Lina Jennings Moore 



