130 ANNUAL REPORT OF THE Off. Doc. 



wisdom has prepared the earth for the habitation of man. How 

 these natural resources, when properly applied, will supply our 

 physical needs. Give them the testimony of the rocks, teaching 

 them that the little pebble means much more than an obstruction 

 to the unprotected toe. Something of the formation and composi- 

 tion of soils, and how they are affected by climatic influences. Give 

 instruction upon insect life, their characteristics, their destructive 

 and beneficial tendencies. Teach them of plant life and plant 

 growth; the dangers arising from the devastation of forests; how 

 the beautiful birds are our friends; the life of a grain of corn; the 

 history of a pumpkin seed. Teach these and numberless other inter- 

 esting things in nature, that affect the destiny of the human family. 

 Teach them also that there is a beauty value in education that 

 cannot be over-estimated. The love of the beautiful is a fit com- 

 panion to the love of the good; a sure foundation for a pure life. 

 Kind nature displays her varied beauty in innumerable forms. On 

 every side are evidences of the beautiful, fitted to create in the mind 

 of the child higher ideals and more noble aspirations. We need not 

 wander far from home to be benefited by these elevating influences. 

 The little flower by the wayside; the stately pine on the mountain 

 top; the waving fields of golden grain; the green slope overlooking 

 the valley, the silvery stream winding through the rich meadows, 

 are full of beautiful thoughts for the teacher. The golden sunset 

 fading into the gathering might, the flickering clouds, the ever- 

 changing sky, the sun in his matchless glory, are interesting sub- 

 jects for the children. The poet whose heart was full of the love 

 of the beautiful could view the rainbow and cry out — 



"Triiimphant arch, thou span'st the skies 



When clouds beg'in to part. 

 I ask not proud philosophy, 



To teach me wliat thou art." 



Let the country schools prepare country children for country 

 life, by teaching the subject matter that touches their future busi- 

 ness, and the farmer will become what he ought to be — the biggest 

 man in all the country. 



