METHOD OF STUDYING MATERIAL. 211 



of the mineral mica (commonly but incorrectly called 

 isinglass), its softness (easily scratched with the finger- 

 nail), lustre (the brilliant shine of its surface), cleav- 

 age (the property by virtue of which it breaks into 

 very thin plates), elasticity, transparency, and infusi- 

 bility are the properties which make it useful and dis- 

 tinguish it from other minerals. It has many other 

 properties, mineralogical and chemical, which the child 

 need not study at all, or may merely note without at- 

 tempting to remember them. The youngest children 

 can discover the function of the little hairs at the base 

 of each little dandelion flower, or floret (the pappus), 

 can see how they aid in disseminating the seed. There- 

 fore they should note the presence and appearance of 

 these hairs. The young children cannot understand 

 the real function of the stamens, so it is not necessary 

 nor wise, in this flower, where they are so indistinct, to 

 ask the little folks to study the stamens. 



u How far is it necessary or wise to dissect animals ? " 

 is a question often asked. Teachers dread dissection. 

 A similiar question which might be asked with equal 

 propriety, but which is not often considered, is, " How 

 far is it necessary or wise to allow or encourage the 

 pupils to tear into pieces plants ? " The higher aim 

 of nature study that is, to develop a sympathy and 

 love for nature, and particularly for life must de- 

 termine this. There should be very little study of dead 

 animals during the first three or four years, and no 

 dissection of any kind during the first five or six years. 

 During the last two or possibly three years, particularly 



