NATURE'S TEACHINGS 



the light and send up green leaves borne upon 

 slender stems. It is because the ferns are so much 

 like flowering plants that we are going to read about 

 them first. 



As we go on with our story you will learn many 

 things about these plants. But reading is not see- 

 ing, and Mother Nature's invitation is, "Come and 



see." 



You can learn more from the plants themselves 

 "under the open sky" than you can from books. 



Then go into the woods and fields when you can. 

 But do not wait to do that. Use your eyes wherever 

 you are. In the country the ferns are growing along 

 the roadside. Mosses, lichens, and toadstools, or 

 mushrooms, are almost at your feet as you walk about. 

 Even in the city streets we may see these. You may 

 find moss upon the walks, on the cellar wall, and in the 

 neighboring patches of short grass. Do not pass these 

 by if you would like to know what they can teach 

 you. 



Do you remember the story of Fawn-footed Nannie 

 and what she saw and heard? Suppose that you try 

 to make your ears and eyes like hers. 



"' Fawn-footed Nannie, where have you been?' 

 'Chasing the sunbeams into the glen, 

 Plunging thro' silver lakes after the moon, 

 , Tracking o'er meadows the footsteps of June.' 



11 



