62 NATURE-STUDY REVIEW [17:2— Feb., 1921 



more self reliant better able to meet the problems of daily life more 

 appreciative of their nature environment, a study of a number of 

 different topics, or a few main topics worked out with greater care. 



In the last state course of Colorado which came out two years 

 ago, called a war-modified course of study, nature-study as such is 

 omitted. However the language and drawing both suggest nature- 

 study material for study and discussion for the primary grades. 

 Humane education has much good nature-study material. 



From this very incomplete survey of the courses the following 

 summary may be given : 



1 . The earliest outlines and courses were largely in the form of 

 questions. Few of them made any attempt to grade the work. 

 Most of them were over technical for children. 



2. The period from about 1897 to 1905 brought out a large 

 number of graded courses with many helpful books, outlines, and 

 suggestions for teaching. 



3. The ten years from 1905 to 191 5 saw nature-study outlines in 

 most of the state courses and in a large number of city systems. 

 The courses were in the main uniform both in the matter of material 

 used and the method of attack. 



4. The last five years has been a period of sifting and shifting, of 

 revising and testing in the light of child study which has resulted in 

 a better adaptation of the material and method to the needs of 

 developing children. 



Professor L. H. Bailey with his wife and daughter are in Ven- 

 zuela this winter. Professor Bailey and Miss Ethel are making 

 botanical excursions into the interior which will undoubtedly 

 result in giving to the world of Science many interesting, new 

 facts. 



