X FOREWORD TO THE TEACHER 



the first object of the teacher. When once that is 

 accomplished, farther progress and the voluntary and 

 eager study of the details follow with little difficulty; 

 especially in the open country, where the child is con- 

 stantly surrounded by a multitude of objects that 

 excite his curiosity. 



As this book is intended for use in parts of the humid 

 as well as in the entire arid region, it necessarily covers 

 what might be considered an excessive extent of ground, 

 owing to the great climatic differences existing within 

 these regions. Teachers using it should understand 

 that they are urged not to undertake to go through it 

 from beginning to end with any one class, but to 

 exercise judgment in selecting for use such portions as 

 are adapted to the surroundings of each school, to the 

 grade of pupils under instruction, and to the seasons. 

 City schools will differ in this respect from country 

 schools, and those of Arizona from those of Montana or 

 Washington. It is hoped that the teachers in each of 

 these regions can find in the text material of local 

 interest to their pupils, and the opportunity of apply- 

 ing and illustrating in field, garden, or city markets 

 the principles and objects that should be presented to 

 their classes. 



It should be emphasized that it is much better to 

 teach a few subjects well, than to go over much ground 

 hastily. 



