LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL. 



To Prof. John Hamilton, Secretary of Agriculture: 



Dear Sir: I have the honor to present herewith the Bulletin upon 

 a course in "Nature Study," which, several months ago, you requested 

 me to prepare. 



My hope is, that it may prove useful, in directing the attention of 

 school directors and teachers, to the importance and practicability 

 of the study of nature in our public schools. 



Nature Study should mean Nature loving. Its object should be to 

 open the minds and hearts of the children to a greater interest, keener 

 appreciation, deeper reverence for the beauties and wonders of crea- 

 tion. The inquiring minds should be quickened. 



Most of the work outlined has been accomplished by children in the 

 grades indicated. As conditions differ, each teacher should select 

 from the outline material which can be used to best advantage, and 

 arouse the greatest interest. It is neither expected nor desired that 

 all the work herein outlined shall be accomplished, but that it shall 

 prove largely suggestive. 



It is hoped all will grasp fundamental principles and teach only 

 that which is vital. Too much time is spent upon non-essentials, 

 and the great unity in nature overlooked. Nothing should be taught 

 in isolation, but the close relation between organic and inorganic 

 should be emphasized. Plants should be studied as the great anima- 

 ting principle, forming a connecting link between dead mineral matter 

 and the highly organized animal life. 



Teachers should constantly encourage pupils to collect material, to 

 construct apparatus, to observe all natural phenomena, and then 

 gradually lead them to discover relations. All knowledge is largely 

 a matter of relations. The ethical value also should always be prom- 

 inently brought out. 



Pupils should be led to realize their place in nature, and to feel that 

 they are but higher expressions of the same energy which produced a 

 drop of dew, or a world. 



Very respectfully, 



LOUISE MILLER. 



Ithaca, N. Y., June 25, 1900. 



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