chaflbs] THE NA TURE-STUD Y SITU A TION IX ILLIXOIS 285 



throughout his county the pupils from first grade up are examined 

 in rudiments of agiicultural lore. 



Co. Supt. B. C. Moore, of McLean County, writes: "Most of 

 our schools do something along the lines of nature-study and 

 agriculture. The aim is not very clear in the minds of many 

 teachers, but some very good results are obtained. It is observed 

 that pupils are made more observant, more interested in the 

 ethical and practical phases of their environment and become 

 better thinkers. The communities for the most part support the 

 work 'because the teacher wants it so' and because the children 

 are interested. They scarcely see the meaning. In some in- 

 stances, however, parents actually object to nature-study and 

 agriculture. Teachers generally are not well prepared for the 

 work, either from the standpoint of knowledge or method. The 

 present trend is for the teaching of these things, and the needs are 

 for prepared teachers and some good nature-study courses that 

 will outline good material, not all to be done, which will be general 

 and pedagogical in its nature." 



Co. Supt. G. W. Conn, Jr., of McHenry County, writes: "There 

 has been a marked increase in the interest in out-door art, agricul- 

 ture, nature-study, and the general improvement of rural condi- 

 tions in McHenry County in the last few years. This manifesta- 

 tion of a deeper sympathy for nature and its improved forms is 

 due to several different causes. 



"The Farmer's County Institute has been a potent factor in the 

 awakening. However, this has been greatly strengthened by the 

 County Federation of Rural Forces, an organization that unites 

 the forces of seven or eight distinct county organizations. This 

 association in its efforts to biing about "a greater symmetry and 

 higher form of rural community life" has stimulated the public 

 consciousness along the lines of scientific agriculture, out-door 

 art, household arts and nature-study that is economic, aesthetic 

 and humanitarian. 



"Farmer's clubs have been formed that hold several local insti- 

 tutes during the year. These are probably the most effective of 

 any of our local organizations in promoting all of the afore men- 

 tioned lines of interests as well as inducing a higher type of institu- 

 tional life for the country neighborhood. The Riley Country Club 

 stands out preeminent in its successful undertakings andfin its 



