THE XA T LIRE-STUD Y RE VIE W 3 



The American Nature-Study Society owes its existence to 

 a small group of scientist-teachers who have not outgrown the 

 naturalist spirit of youth and who realize the immense oppor- 

 tunity for service to childhood and to science in the organiza- 

 tion and presentation of nature materials, on an •educational 

 basis, in the elementary schools. The alert, eager, inquiring 

 attitud-e of childhood, when given play upon environmental ma- 

 terials under the direction of a teacher who is equipped for the 

 task, makes possible an educative result that can be equalled, 

 perhaps, by no other subject in the elementary curriculum. 

 The contact is so immediate, the related interests so vital, that 

 the possibilities cannot be measured. The wonder is that the 

 field has been so long neglected, or so superficially cultivated. 



The Nature-Study Review has now, so far as we know, the 

 undivided support of the leaders in nature-study and elemen- 

 tary science in America. With the transfer of the Review to 

 the middle west, the editor fully appreciates the necessity of 

 holding the ground that has been gained. We must do even 

 more, — the call to advance has been sounded. The sentiment 

 for nature-study long ago outstripped its rational development. 

 The period of exhortation and inspirational efifort has passed, 

 and the time for demonstration is at hand. Throughout the 

 United States and Canada able men and women are working 

 at the problem. That the best progress may be made, organi- 

 zation and cooperation are essential. The American Nature- 

 Study Society and its journal, the Nature-Study Review, afford 

 this opportunity. The Secretary-Editor for 1910, in assuming 

 office, bespeaks the generous and active assistance of all work- 

 ers in this field; without this assistance success is impossible. 

 Suggestions, news items and contributed articles will be wel- 

 comed. 



Just now the greatest demand is for an increased member- 

 ship in the American Nature-Study Society. The subscription 

 list to the Nature-Study Review should be greatly extended; 

 the rank and file of elementary teachers should be reached. 

 The personal sacrifice which Prof. Bigelow has borne so long 

 and so uncomplainingly has brought the journal practically to 

 a self-supporting basis. But we need a fifty per cent increase in 

 our numbers at once, and we shall make a much greater gain 

 than this if our present membership, appreciating the need, 

 will assume the aggressive and undertake a campaign for new 

 members. Will not every reader enlist? 



