EDITORIAL 403 



herself adequately in a more definite field of the nature stud>' 

 course. As a result of the foregoing, she will find the work more 

 interesting and therefore teach it better. 



It would seem then, that the time is at hand when nature- 

 study should be a required subject with a more definitely ]) re- 

 scribed content than has heretofore been the practice. 



A course may be prescriptive and still be flexible. In such a 

 course for the middle and upper grades, the general theme for a 

 given grade can be stated. The main heads of this theme and 

 the time given to each might be specified. A minimum amount 

 of specific detail should be prescribed under each head. Much 

 other material within the general theme from which the teacher 

 can choose supplementary work should be suggested. 



J. A. Drushel. 



NOTICE OF THE ANNUAL MEETING AND THE ELECTION OF 

 OFFICERS OF THE AMERICAN NATURE-STUDY SOCIETY 



The American Nature-Study Society will hold its annual meeting in Pitts- 

 burgh, December 27th. The meetings will be held at Pittsburgh University, 

 inquire at the A. A. A. S. Headquarters for the place of meeting. 



The following officers are to be elected: President, five vice-presidents 

 and five directors. 



The retiring vice-presidents are: B. M. Davis, E. R. Downing, C. F. Hodge, 

 A. L. Matthews, Alice J. Patterson. The retiring directors are: j. A. 

 Drushel, St. Louis; C. H. Robison, N. J.; S. C. Schmucker, Pa.; G. H. 

 Trafton, Minn.; R. E. Wager, 111. 



Nominations for the above officers should be mailed to the Secretary- 

 Editor before December 20th. 



PROGRAM OF THE ANNUAL MEETING 

 Morning Session, 10:00 A. M. 



Opportunities for Research in Problems of Teaching Science Elliot R. Dcwning 



President's Address — The Humanistic Element in Education, 



Liberty Hyde Bailey 



The Spirit of Nature-Study . . . . Cora A. Smith 



Secretary's Report and Election of Officers. 



Afternoon Session, 2:00 P. M. 



The Scientific Background of Nature-Study Samuel C. Schmucker 



Two Recent Movements of Importance to the Future Development of 



Nature- Study . . _ . Anna Botsford Comstock 



The Problem of Using Books for vSupplementing Oljservation Work in 



Nature-Study . . . . Maurice A. Bigclow 



Several other people of importance in the Educational Field have tenta- 

 tively promised to be present and speak on vital phases of Nature-Study. 



