62 STATK POMOLOGICAL SOCIETY 



NATURE STUDIES FOR THE FARMER'S BOY. 

 By Mrs. V. B. DeCoster. 



It seems strange to us country people that many people in 

 large cities can live next door to others for years, without know- 

 ing them by sight or even learning their names. 



And yet we cotmtry people do almost the same thing. 



We have many good neighbors living on our own farms, who 

 are a great help to ns in many ways, with whom we never form 

 the slightest acquaintance. 



Why, there are families of birds, butterflies, insects and plants 

 of wonderful beauty and interest, if we only get an introduction 

 and cultivate their acquaintance. 



Evervone who lives in the country should know these neigh- 

 bors better. We need never be lonely. The children can always 

 iiave playmates. Nature Studies open a new world to th'em. 



It is not enough to know the names of the birds about us, we 

 should learn their habits, song, and especially their favorite food. 

 Many of them are valuable friends and can often be encouraged 

 to make their homes near us by planting shrubs or trees which 

 bear their favorite fruits, and by giving various helps in nest 

 building. The Baltiinore Oriole and several other kinds help to 

 destroy our apple tree caterpillars. 



In most town and city schools Nature Studies form a part of 

 the regular course. In our small ungraded country schools, we 

 seldom have a teacher capable of teaching them. Even when 

 they know how, they have so many classes in the "3 R's," it 

 would be hard to find the time. 



But only, think of the possibilities ! If the farmer's children 

 could only be taught these things right where they are sur- 

 rounded with all necessary living object lessons. 



Although it is a grand thing for city children to have access 

 to the fine museums and Natural History rooms, a child could 

 be taught more in a half day, by a brook and meadow, than he 

 would learn in a whole term from dead specimens. He needs 

 to see the living objects in their natural homes. 



There is just as much difference as for us to try to get 

 acquainted with persons by their photographs and what people 



