I 6 NATURE STUDY BY GRADES 



and teachers, is conceded generally. This disappointment 

 is due no doubt more to the fault in the method of the treat- 

 ment, than to the fitness of the subject to the needs and 

 interest of the child. In isolation physiology has few attrac- 

 tions for the average pupil, but when included in a course 

 of nature study, and taught in its natural relations, it shares 

 necessarily the interest always so abundant in that work and 

 is understood in its true significance and appreciated ac- 

 cordingly. 



When studying the organs of lower animals and their 

 wonderful adaptations to the needs of their respective owners, 

 what could form a more fitting climax than to call attention 

 to the similar and more perfect organs of the human body, 

 and to explain their uses and care ! Again, in studying a 

 rain storm or snowstorm with the accompanying phenomena, 

 attention may be directed to the necessity of keeping the 

 feet dry, and the body properly protected. In our study 

 of human dwellings, the furnishings and uses of the bath- 

 room would offer a fitting occasion to teach the pupils the 

 necessity of personal cleanliness, and of the care of the skin. 



A few suggestive lessons are, therefore, included in the 

 following outlines on the subject of human physiology and 

 hygiene, and are suited as well as may be to the needs of 

 the pupils in the various grades, with the hope that the 

 teacher will do as much more of this work in an incidental 

 way, as the turn of the discussion in any lesson may afford 

 suitable opportunity. 



With very young pupils this work should be incidental 

 rather than regular, and practical rather than theoretical. 

 Since little children cannot comprehend the structure of the 

 body or the laws of health and the necessity of obeying them, 

 the teacher can do no better, perhaps, than establish health- 



