208 Third Conference 



For the teacher will find himself exercising a gentle 

 leadership and guidance none the less effective because 

 almost imperceptible to the scholars. 



Leading rather as one who is foremost amongst 

 them as a learner himself, sharing in their disappoint- 

 ments as well as partaking in their awakening de- 

 lights, he will be careful to do or say nothing that 

 shall decrease the pride of his young companions in 

 first-hand discoveries. 



It is impossible to appreciate fully what this means, 

 unless one has seen some such sight as a large class 

 of boys in school during the course of a Nature-study 

 lesson, all eagerly engaged in some simple investi- 

 gation to them delightfully new; with their teacher, 

 actually an expert in the work they are doing, but 

 apparently as intently curious as themselves, flitting 

 here and there amongst them with mingled encourage- 

 ment and congratulation. In this connection it is 

 suggested that members of the ramble-party should 

 always be provided with maps of the route arranged 

 to be taken ; for this enables each individual to be, as 

 it were, as much an independent tourist as one of an 

 organized party. 



The success of any scheme must lie first in its 

 simplicity, and next in the prudent guidance of the 

 teacher. 



It is only the great one amongst teachers who is 

 able to carry to accomplishment a widely- varied 

 scheme. We who are only of average powers shall 

 if we are prudent, work within narrower limits; not 

 scanning too closely the difficulties which lie in the 

 way, for he who sees only the difficulties will know 

 nothing of the delights. 



