PLAN OF THE COURSE AS A W IloIJ-: 



8 



wasted annually, the rat could be exterminated hoin tin- 

 continent within a year ov even within a sinolc month. 



Civic organization applies not only to the control of injuri- 

 ous forces, but ecpuilly to saving valual)le species from exter- 

 mhiation. Lacking such organization, a numl)er of species of 

 great value have already been extermniated from vast areas, 

 and several more are in immment danger. A few of these, 



Fig. 2. Virginia deer 

 Photograph by George Shiras 



chiefly among our game birds and game and fur-bearing 

 animals, will receive attention in tlie appropriate chapters. 



At best, among the great nunil)er of such prol)lems, we shall 

 be able to study only a few typical ones that touch the life 

 of the comnnmitv most vitallv. Three or four insect tvpes 

 are all we shall have time for, but tlu^usands of others may 

 be studied by similar methods. The purpose of the course is 

 thus to cultivate habits of observation, insights into the work- 

 ings of living nature, and, above all, civir ways of thiidN'ing and 

 civic methods of studyhig and of attacking sueh [)roblems : and 



