178 HOW NATURE STUDY SHOULD BE TAUGHT 



othy plays keeping school, and morning, noon, 

 and night we are served with Miss Plimpton in 

 voice, in walk and even in every little action. So 

 you see I am well acquainted. I recognized and 

 welcomed your voice and manner as of at least 

 three weeks' acquaintance." 



There are good contagions and " catchings " of 

 good things, as well as of bad things and diseases, 

 in the life of every child. We quarantine from 

 the bad, but too often, I fear, forget to supply the 

 good. That supply should come from various 

 sources, nature, associates, books, playthings, and 

 the greatest of these is nature. Mother Nature is 

 truly loved by the best that is in us, and never 

 did she betray the heart that loved her. Let us 

 weave her in large proportions into the heart, head, 

 and muscles of the child. 



The ingredients of child-life are fresh air, sun- 

 shine, trees, flowers, birds, and all the other happy 

 life of the fields and forests. Weave in generous 

 proportions. Do not skimp and carve, and trim, 

 and minimize, and scrutinize too much. Pour in 

 the generous cupfuls, hours rather than minutes. 

 The strength, the happiness, the life, all are good. 

 You appreciate them and the child needs them. 

 Let him have them in their fullness of enjoyment. 



