westbeeg] 



CHICAGO NA TVRE STi'D Y CL UB 113 



and (2) to advance the nature-study movement in public and 

 other schools. A strong plea was made to keep the work of 

 the club of such a character that it shall interest not only those 

 connected with the schools, but also those in other walks of 

 life, and especially parents. 



Representatives of various women's clubs spoke encour- 

 agingly of our movement and of their interest in it. About 

 175 were present, and 138 signified in writing their desire to 

 join the club. (Several names have later been added to this 

 list.) The city is divided into three sections — north, west and 

 south sides,— each of which has its own officers and holds meet- 

 ings at its own discretion. The work of each section is to be 

 reported at the annual meeting of the entire club. The an- 

 nual dues are $1.25, $1.00 of which is sent to the Secretary of 

 the American Nature-Study Society, 10c is retained by the Sec- 

 retary-Treasurer of the Chicago Nature-Study Club, and 15c 

 is turned over to the Secretary-Treasurer of the section with 

 which the member allies himself. 



The following officers were elected by the charter members 

 of the club: President, W. W. Whitney, Bowen High School; 

 Secretary-Treasurer, Emily C. Westberg, 911 Roscoe St.; Di- 

 rector on the Council of the A. N.-S. S., Mr. Grant Smith, Chi- 

 cago Normal School. 



A real treat was in store as the closing number on the 

 program. Mr. Jesse L. Smith, of Highland Park, 111., showed 

 his superb stereopticon views of wild flowers. He made us 

 realize how beautiful are the maligned weeds, and how. if our 

 minds are susceptible, a railroad embankment, clothed with 

 verdure, is not to be despised. 



Another point brought out by Mr. Smith, and one that all 

 should heed, was that of self-control. His contention is that 

 flowers belong to their environment and vice versa, and as 

 there can be no separation without injury to both, it behooves 

 everyone who is a lover of nature to allow the flowers to re- 

 main upon the plants. Children can be trained to such an ex- 

 tent that they will so enjoy seeing flowers grow that they will 

 have no desire to pluck, merely to throw them away when wilt- 

 ed, as is often done. This cultivation of self-control is need- 

 ed quite as much by grownups as by children. 



Emily C. Westberg. 



Sec.-Treas. 



