vi Preface 



The book is intended to help children to study 

 nature ; there is no attempt to substitute book study 

 for nature study. Hence, whilst there are passages of 

 continuous reading, it is not a mere "reader." Many 

 teachers, myself among them, have felt the difficulty of 

 organising practical work for large classes. Dr Russell 

 has written so that, whilst nominally showing the pupil 

 how to learn, he is secl-etly scattering hints for the 

 teacher who is learning how to teach. 



Abundant and varied practical exercises have been 

 suggested, and careful instructions have been given 

 so that the book shall seem intelligible even in the 

 absence of a teacher. The proposed practical work is 

 not only what might be done by eager boys and girls on 

 half-holidays, but what can be done by every scholar 

 in the course of ordinary school work. The pictorial 

 illustrations are intended as aids to observation, not as 

 substitutes. Drawing is one form of practical exercise, 

 and the preparation of corresponding illustrations in 

 the scholars' notebooks from the apparatus used in the 

 classroom and the fields around the school may afford 

 exercises in artistic work with pen, brush or camera. 



Sufficient directions are given for the supply of 

 necessary materials and apparatus. The apparatus pro- 

 posed is of the simplest character. 



It is suggested that the book will be found most 

 useful in the higher standards of elementary schools, 

 in preparatory schools and in the lower forms of 

 secondary schools, that is, where the ages of scholars 

 average from 12 to 14. 



HUGH RICHARDSON 



York, 7 January 1911 



