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THE STUDY OF THE DANUELION. 33 



we find most frequently about our homes 



. . . "the dandelions, bright 

 As if night had spilt her stars" ? 



Is it not because they are related to something higher 

 in man than his physical or material nature ? Have 

 we really studied the dandelion with our children until 

 we have helped them to appreciate its beauty ; not only 

 its beauty of color and form, but, far higher than these, 

 its beauty of function and adaptation, the way in which 

 it is fitted for and performs its work? The dandelion 

 ministers to the aesthetic nature of the child. Indeed, 

 unless the study leads to a fuller enjoyment of the 

 beauty of nature, we have gained little from our nature 

 study. 



Longfellow has said, 



" In all places, then, and in all seasons, 



Flowers expand their light and soul-like wings, 

 Teaching us, by most persuasive reasons, 

 How akin they are to human things." 



As we study the mutual dependence and mutual 

 helpfulness of all parts of the plant, as we discover 

 how they help and are helped by insects and wind and 

 rain and sun, do no lessons come to us, and even more 

 strongly to our children, concerning our relations to the 

 world about us ? How akin to the child are the dande- 

 lion and the violet, of which Lowell writes, 



"For the whole year long I see 

 All the wonders of faithful Nature 

 Still worked for the love of me ; 



