The Growing of Plants 89 



A school-garden has a large range of use- 

 fulness. It supplants, or, at least, supplements 

 mere book training; presents real problems, 

 with many interacting influences, affording a 

 base for the study of all nature, thereby develop- 

 ing the creative faculties and encouraging nat- 

 ural enthusiasm; puts the child into touch and 

 sympathy with its own realm; develops manual 

 dexterity; begets regard for labor; conduces to 

 health; expands the moral instincts by making 

 a truthful and intimate presentation of natural 

 phenomena and affairs; trains in accuracy and 

 directness of observation; stimulates the love of 

 nature; appeals to the art-sense; kindles interest 

 in ownership; teaches garden-craft; evolves civic 

 pride; sometimes affords a means of earning 

 money; brings teacher and pupil into closer 

 personal touch; works against vandalism; aids 

 discipline by allowing natural exuberance to 

 work off; arouses spontaneous interest in the 

 school on the part of both pupils and parents; 

 sets ideals for the home, thereby establishing 

 one more bond of connection between the school 

 and the community. 1 



'From "Outlook to Nature," p. 129 (Rev. Ed.) 



