164 NATURE STUDY REVIEW [10:4— April, 1914 



From the February number of School Nature Study — the 

 English Nature Study journal — the following items are taken: 



School Journeys 



The School Journey has advanced by leaps and bounds during 

 the last few years. In 19 13, nearly one hundred London schools 

 sent classes to the seaside, forest or mountain for periods varying 

 from four days to a fortnight. The Pioneers have fought hard 

 for a free hand in deciding the nature and method of the educational 

 work attempted on the school joiuney, and so far they seem to 

 have succeeded. One general principle is commonly recognized, 

 and that is the opportunity should be seized to do that which 

 is impossible in London. Hence we find the school tourists 

 studying plants and animals in their natural homes; they see 

 something of the struggle for life in the hedgerow, and in the 

 wood; they note the way plants adapt their leaves to prevent 

 excessive loss of moisture while living in dry positions ; they learn 

 that the spindle and wayfaring tree grow on the chalk, but not 

 on the sand near by; they sketch the stunted trees on top of a 

 hill bent over by the prevailing winds. They go to the bog, to the 

 salt marsh, to the sand dune and see plants equipped with all 

 manner of devices for exceptional circumstances. They catch 

 a fleeting glimpse of a rabbit and a squirrel, of trout and snake; 

 they hear the wild song of the birds, and peradventure get a peep 

 into a nest. 



A new world is open to them in the rocks and pools of the sea- 

 shore with their wonderful seaweeds, and weird animals, but the 

 children visit this new world with a guide who is able to ask sug- 

 gestive questions and lead them to investigate in such a way 

 that they may see and admire, but not harm or destroy. 



— G. G. Lewis. 



Nature-study planned on such foundations will have a pro- 

 nounced effect on the adolescent child. Signs are not wanting 

 that it provides the child with valuable assets. 



(a) Nature-study is an added interest in life, and one which 

 leads to healthy pursuits and pleasures. 



{h) The habit of clear seeing and independent thinking receive 

 training. 



