TEACHERS' LEAFLET NO. 18. 



A BROOK. 



BEOOK is the best of subjects 

 for nature-studj. It is near and 

 d-ear to every child. It is a world 

 in itself. It is an epitome of 

 the nature in which we live. In 

 miniature, it illustrates the forces 

 wliich have shajDed much of tlie 

 earth's surface. Day by day and 

 century by century it carries its 

 burden of earth-waste and lays 

 it down in the quiet places. 

 Always beginning and never 

 ceasing, it does its work as slowly 

 and as quietly as the drifting of 

 the years. It is a scene of life 

 and activity. It reflects the sky. It is kissed by the sun. It is 

 caressed by the wind. The minnows play in the pools. The soft 

 weeds grow in the shallows. The grass and the dandelions lie on its 

 sunny banks. The moss and fern are sheltered in the nooks. It 

 comes one knows not whence : it flows one knows not whither. It 

 awakens the desire of exploration. It is a realm of mysteries. 

 It typifies the flood of life. It goes " on forever." 



In many ways can the brook be made an adjunct of the school- 

 room. One teacher or one grade may study its physiography ; 

 another its birds; another may plat it. Or one teacher and one 

 grade may devote a month or a term to one phase of it. Thus the 

 brook may be made the center of a life-theme. 



L. H. B. 



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