4 PREFACE. 



exhaustive discussion of science, but rather to set forth in a clear 

 and concise manner the general principles of this important 

 branch of study. The plan has been to consider briefly the fun- 

 damental ideas of the different departments of science, illustrat- 

 ing them by examples of their practical application, and also to 

 consider the relation of these branches to each other as constitu- 

 ent parts of one great organic whole the earth, the home of 

 man. The writer has aimed to open up the fascinating field of 

 science in such a manner as to awaken and develop the spirit of 

 scientific inquiry, and the desire for scientific work. Such experi- 

 ments have been suggested as can easily be performed anywhere 

 without costly or complicated apparatus, and lines of work have 

 been mapped out in each division that may be pursued with 

 pleasure and profit in almost any locality. 



It is hoped that the work will stimulate many to study nature 

 for themselves, to observe the phenomena of climate, to notice 

 the surface changes of the earth, to study plants and animals as 

 living things, to observe them in their homes, amid their natural 

 surroundings in fact, to study nature as the great fountain of 

 knowledge. Numbers may thus be encouraged to go beyond the 

 limits of these discussions, into special fields to which they may 

 have served as an introduction; yet if the book only helps to 

 bring our teachers and school children into closer sympathy with 

 nature, the purpose of the author will be well accomplished. 



JOSIAH T. SCOVELL. 



TERRE HAUTE, IXD., January 10, 1894. 



