194 SOCIETY OF NATURALISTS. 



faculties of observation pretty nearly atrophied by long disuse, 

 and are thus incapable of receiving much benefit from such in- 

 struction ; that so important a part of education ought not to be 

 neglected in schools of any grade ; that a recognition of it by the 

 Colleges in their requirements for admission is the best means to 

 introduce it in the lower schools. 



" The Commission discussed the proposition carefully, and ques- 

 tioned those who urged it, as to the details involved, and as to 

 how the difHculty of introducing such a requirement may be met. 

 Finally it was voted : — 



"i. That the Commission regards the communication made 

 by Professors Rice and Farlow as important and deserving the 

 consideration of the Colleges. 



" 2. That a report of this communication be transmitted to the 

 several Faculties of our Associated Colleges. 



''Will you, therefore, when convenient, la}' this report before the 



Faculty of for their consideration.? I shall send you 



for distribution among the members of the Faculty copies of a 

 circular issued by the American Society of Naturalists, in which 

 their propositions and plans are set forth. On the third page is 

 their statement of what they recommend as desirable branches of 

 Natural Science to be required for admission to College. I also 

 send you a copy of a Monograph in which the whole subject is 

 discussed less briefl3^ A course of study in Natural Science 

 actually followed in the Public Schools in Middletovvn, Conn., is 

 exhibited in this pamphlet. 



" I have the honor to remain, 



" Very respectfully yours, 



" W. C. Poland, 

 " Secretary of the CoDDiiission." 



At the University Convocation of the State of New York, lately 

 known as the Regents of the University of the State of New York, 

 our Committee was represented by Professor Samuel F. Clarke. 

 The subject of Science Teaching was given the post of honor 

 on the programme, and the remarks were listened to with aj)- 

 parcnt interest. Some discussion followed, which sliowed a 

 decided sympathy with our views, not only among the teachers of 

 science, but also in marked degree among the teachers in other 

 departments. 



