26 MICHIGAN ACADEMY OF SCIENCE. 



iiess and tact to the very highest degree. My first suggestion would 

 be that every excursion should start with a definite object. Mere gen- 

 eral observation has rarely solved a difficulty. Jt is only as the atten- 

 tion is concentrated on some particular point that observation is of 

 real advantage. Further it relieves at once of much aimless question- 

 ing, which leads to distraction and consequent loss of precious time. 



If for any reason it be impracticable to Journey afield with the class 

 much valuable work may be accomplished by asking some judicious 

 questions that will set the pupil at work outside the school hours. In 

 physiography for example it is a most excellent plan for the teacher 

 to select a locality and then, on the spot, to study it, take notes, make 

 sketches and perhaps formulate a few questions with which the pupils 

 may be sent to the place, there to seek and find the answers. 



And I do not suggest merely questions on what the eye can see. 

 Children in the grades have a really marvellous capacity for drawing 

 inferences. Give their imagination play. It will grow by what it 

 feeds on. 



Above all don't be discouraged by any apparent lack of opportunity. 

 Every year I provide each member of my class in nature study with a 

 two foot string, tell him to tie the ends together and then find some 

 comfortable spot, stretch it out in a circle and spend the hour study- 

 ing what lies within. One who has never tried it cannot conceive the 

 interesting things he will find, wherever it lies, nor the questions sug- 

 gested and some of them answered within its eight-inch circle. It is 

 an interesting fact that in all the years I have taught this class in 

 spring, summer or fall, but two students have as yet failed to find ants 

 either as residents or explorers. 



After such an experience as this none can complain that their field 

 is too small, that the locality does not afford opportunities. Some 

 work mav, and to be successful must be done bv this intensive studv of 

 a small area, other work requires the birdseye view of broad reaches 

 of surface. Some things demand keen and discriminating Avork with 

 almost microscopical sight, others may be best perceived with eyes 

 half closed that detail may be blurred out and only the broadest effects 

 realized. Wherever we go, there nature is. and in her moods new 

 joys are ours if we attune ourselves to hear her myriad voices. 



"To liim who. in the love of Nature, holds 

 Communion with her visible forms, slie speaks 

 A various language : for his gayer hours 

 She has a voice of gladness, and a smile 

 And eloquence of beauty ; and she glides 

 Into his darker musings with a mild 

 And healing sympathy, that steals away 

 Their sharpness, ere he is aware. 



********* 



Go forth under the open sky, and list 

 To Nature's teachings.'" 



