108 XATVRE STUDY. 



individual investigation, as opposed to mere book-work, 

 as a means of developing the powers of the pupils, 

 training them to see and think and express for them- 

 selves. 



Science work, or nature study, has given the pupils 

 something to work with, something on which and with 

 which to develop their powers, something definite and 

 tangible which they can see and think about and tell 

 about. Nature study is a content study, and a basis 

 for formal or expressive work. 



The results of science work, genuine science work, 

 personal investigation, not mere book-work, taught as 

 a means of developing power, have demonstrated its 

 great value. In hundreds of schools nature study has 

 won and kept a place as an aid in developing the pow- 

 ers of the children. It has given not merely the clearer 

 vision and more certain knowledge which come to 

 those who walk by sight and not merely by faith, but 

 the power, crystallizing into habit, of careful, exact ob- 

 servation ; the corresponding power of clear and truth- 

 ful expression in language or drawing, which must 

 come when the impression is clear and exact, because 

 based on interest and on actual observation ; the habit 

 of asking and seeking the "why" and "how" of the 

 world around them; and, perhaps best of all, the 

 marked improvement in individuality and self-reliance 

 resulting from the consciousness of power. 



More and more nature study is being, and has been, 

 introduced into our schools as a basis for the expres- 

 sive work of the school, reading, writing, drawing, 



