stebbins NATURE-STUDY IN CAMP 143 



lack of oxygen. The overgrowth of green plants, including algae, 

 resulting from too much sunshine, can be controlled by shading 

 partially, or the results partly compensated by increasing the num- 

 ber of polywogs and snails that feed upon the algae. 



These are only a few of the many, many things learned from ex- 

 perience with aquariums. 



Vivariums offer a like field for the observation of land forms 

 of plants and animals, under controlled conditions. 



Both alike, well-cared for, are a delight to the eye, in form and 

 color, and offer opportunity for close observation under nearly 

 natural conditions. 



A nature table or shelf should be a feature of eveiy camp or 

 schoolroom. 



This may be large or small as conditions demand, but should 

 always be well-lighted, and always absolutely clean, free from dirt, 

 dirt here, meaning anything present with no reason for being pres- 

 ent. 



On this table may appear all sorts of objects at various times, 

 frequent changes being essential to stimulate interest. In fact 

 no day ought to pass without some change, either of removal or 

 addition or rearrangement of some detail as a constant challenge 

 to the attention of the "casual observer" as well as for more 

 worthy reasons. But each thing should have a label! It may 

 be a question, as: — "What is its name?" Where can you find 

 this plant growing? Is this good to eat? Is this a land snail or 

 water snail ? What does this smell like r 1 Why is this plant called 

 "five-finger?" etc. When the label is used to tell the name it 

 should be so connotated as to suggest more than the mere name, 

 as: — "Storer's snake, or red-bellied snake, full-grown, young are 

 born alive. This was found under a flat stone up on the hill-side. 

 What do you suppose it eats? Is it helpful or harmful?" or 

 "Common St. John's wort. See the dots on the leaves, and 

 the one-sided petals," or "A Common land snail. Where are 

 its eyes?" 



Some day the table night be devoted to some one exhibit, as, 

 a collection of fungi of as many colors as possible, thirty or more 

 colors with tones and tints could probably be shown. Myce- 

 lium should be included. (Such an exhibit should not be allowed 

 to remain till it becomes unattractive). 



