THE IDEALS OF KATURE STUDY. 5 



abstract kind, but by being linked to other kinds of school 

 work serve to vitalise these. Our methods of study inti- 

 mately correlate the nature lesson and the drawing or paint- 

 ing one. Clay and cardboard modelling can also be worked 

 in association with nature studies, with profit on both sides. 

 For example, it will be found on examination of the lessons 

 outlined in this book, that in all studies of particular 

 objects an integral part of the lesson is the drawing of the 

 subject, whether bird, beast, flower, or leaf, and wherever 

 it is possible its representation in colour as well. Something 

 may be done with modelling also. 



There can be no doubt as to the value on the artistic 

 side of the child exercising its art upon an object on which 

 it has been or is being guided to exercise its intellect also. 

 On the side of the nature lesson it is a well established 

 principle that for giving precision to observational work 

 pictorial representation or modelling stands in more im- 

 portant relation than handwriting does to literary com- 

 position. Also, for exercises in composition or written 

 description, these studies should be utilised; it will be 

 found that they not only add to the pupils' power of 

 expression, but that they distinctly foster precision of 

 language. Further, with the association of the best 

 nature literature it is possible to store the memories of 

 the pupils with sentiment of a lofty and enriching kind. 



