14 OUR METHODS IN GENERAL. 



No pretence at uniformity of method in the ordinary 

 sense is put forward in the attempt here made to realise 

 our aims. Such we hold is unsound in principle with 

 reference to nature study whose ideals are complex. It is 

 true great stress will be found to be laid upon observational 

 work as a basis for subsequent reasoning, and in general 

 the scientific method is utilised. But we have tried also, in 

 spirit at all events, to capture the imagination, to appeal 

 to wonder, to acknowledge mystery. For these studies 

 according to our view in seeking to develop interest in 

 nature are seeking to add to the joys of life. Consequently 

 no sarcasm is intended we hope our methods have but 

 little flavour of the scholastic. We would sum up thus : 

 Awaken interest ; having secured it, keep it as long as you 

 can, Never destroy interest (which is but quickened 

 intellect) for the sake of adherence to a scholastic method 

 heuristic or otherwise. 



