HOW NATURE STUDY SHOULD BE TAUGHT 27 



ing ground for fad-zeal facts, nor a target for 

 volleys fired according to schedule. We would 

 put him and his mind into an atmosphere of 

 things good, true, and beautiful. Even his un- 

 cultured parents will appreciate that and say, 

 " Dat ish goot. Mine Shonny hab ein goot 

 teacher." 



And of this environment, this atmosphere of 

 out-door life, there come words of commendation 

 from cultured writers and thinkers. Take a prom- 

 inent representative. Hear the words of Ham- 

 ilton Wright Mabie : 



There, are, however, habits and qualities which are char- 

 acteristic of those who succeed in establishing this relation- 

 ship with nature. 



They are, in the first place, very constantly in the pres- 

 ence and company of Nature. They not only seize, they 

 make opportunities for getting into the woods, for loitering 

 in the fields, for exploring the streams, for walking across 

 the country. . . . 



These persons form the habit, in the second place, of 

 leaving their cares, work, interests, and self-consciousness 

 behind them when they go out under the clear sky, along 

 the country road, or into deep woods. They go with an 

 open mind ; they are alert to observe, but they are above all 

 things else ready to receive whatever truth, power, or spirit 

 Nature has to impart. 



It is worth while to have all children in such 

 intimate relations with Mother Nature. Her 



