. PREFACE 



THIS book is designed to encourage students to ob- 

 serve and think. It may also furnish some information 

 about trees, birds, and heavenly bodies which will 

 enhance the pleasure of living wherever these things 

 can be seen. The language is simple enough for students 

 in the sixth or seventh grade, the facts important enough 

 for more mature students. 



Part One may well be studied in the fall, Part Two 

 in winter, and Part Three in spring, but it would be a 

 mistake to restrict the study of any part to a single 

 season, or to attempt to finish one part before taking 

 up the next. In order to become familiar with the 

 planets and brightest stars the student should view the 

 heavens at different seasons. The trees and birds also 

 change their appearance as the seasons change. They 

 should be observed at all times of the year. 



The student who is well started in nature study is 

 likely to continue his outdoor observations, as opportu- 

 nity affords, throughout his life. He will get a better 

 start by using this book in school for two or more con- 

 secutive years than by going over all of it in one year. 



