39 



question whether such a suggestion is pertinent among ]:)oints for 

 amateur botanists. 



In closing, I beg to submit a definite suggestion for which f 

 must again seek excuse in that incontestable statement of our 

 president this morning, that in lack of clean truth there lies na- 

 tional peril. 



Nowhere in our edticational literature is the absence of clean 

 truth more conspicuous than in the nature-study books which 

 are in common use in the graded schools. Nowhere has the un- 

 authorized word had wider play or more credulous following. 

 Untrained teachers have had nature study thrust upon them and 

 have turned with avidity toward whatever seemed to offer help. 

 Composites of sentiment and inaccuracy have been liberally sup- 

 plied as "supplementary reading." 



The suggestion is that there be issued in the name and un- 

 der the direct auspices of the academy a series of leaflets upon 

 science topics suitable for use as material in nature study and 

 geography. Such topics should be treated especially from the 

 standpoint of the state in so far as they lend themselves suita- 

 bly to such treatment. Such leaflets should be available to the 

 public schools at low cost. An educational editor, perhaps a mem- 

 ber of the standing committee upon publication, might have in 

 charge the apportionment of topics to members willing to co- 

 operate, and ample discretion in editing to suit the educational 

 needs in view should be allowed such an editor. 



In objection, the point may be raised that in its very infancy 

 the academy would be rash to venture to finance such a scheme. 

 It may be confidently stated, however, that funds sufficient for 

 such purpose would be at the disposal of the academy in case 

 such proposal meets its good will. 



A similar service has been and continues to be rendered by the 

 Cornell Nature Study and ^Agricultural Leaflets. 



