METHOD OF STUDYING MATERIAL. 229 



We will succeed in bringing into prominence in the 

 pupil's mind the essentials in structure, or plan, or 

 physical phenomena, and thus leading to classification 

 or generalization, in proportion as we lead the pupils 

 by our questions, to see and dwell on these essential 

 features. If we encourage or allow a careful compari- 

 son of the multitude of details, often more or less ac- 

 cidental, such as color and minor markings, and length 

 of parts, the association and comparison may have little 

 result. In the comparison of dandelion and thistle (see 



Fig, 27. Grasshopper. 



Chapter I), we will gain little if we dwell on difference 

 in color, and in number of florets, and in length of parts. 

 Only in proportion as the pupils dwell on the similarity 

 of plan in the dandelion and thistle blossoms will they 

 get an idea of the composite family of plants. 



It will be seen that the process of abstraction and 

 generalization requires the most careful work in devel- 

 opment or questioning. In the previous steps the chil- 

 dren, if properly taught, will accomplish much with 

 very few questions. In generalization, particularly 

 when made from few particulars, the pupils must be 

 led by the teacher. 



