other opportunity for the extension of its sphere of usefulness 

 toward the public schools. Agassiz said "the pupil studies 

 nature in the school-room and when he goes out of doors, 

 he can not find her!" Field excursions are conceded in these 

 days to be a necessary accompaniment of school work in geo- 

 graphy or elementary science. Yet field excursions are in 

 themselves difficult to manage and become well nigh impos- 

 sible when added to the duties of the already over-worked 

 teacher. The Museum, however, in the personnel of its staff, 

 in the material resources at its command, and in knowledge 

 of the country over which its collections are made, should 

 possess the elements necessary for the successful management 

 of classes in outdoor work. 



Arrangements should be made at the Museum for the com- 

 fort and convenience of the classes visiting the building ac- 

 companied by their teacher. A lecture room or ..classroom 

 may be provided on request and the specimens needed ar- 

 ranged therein. If it is desirable, a demonstrator or lecturer 

 from the Museum can be in attendance, or the class and its 

 teacher may be left undisturbed to do their work as 

 they please. Free lecture courses, illustrative of the studies 

 pursued in the schools may be given at the Museum at times 

 suited to the convenience of teachers and pupils. In brief, 

 the Museum should stand ready to carry out any reasonable 

 request from the schools for aid in their work to the extent 

 of that portion of its resources which may justly be employed 

 in this direction. 



And, finally, as a means of keeping in touch w^ith the teach- 

 ers, of spreading information concerning ; special exhibits, 

 loan collections or work going on at the Museum of particular 

 interest to the schools, and of announcing the dates and sub- 

 jects for lectures, a Bulletin, published by the Museum should 

 be mailed to the principals for distribution among the teachers 

 and children whO' apply for it. 



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