METHOD OF STUDYING MATERIAL. 231 



they have discovered the distinctive characteristics of 

 the composite family of plants, they should be led to 

 gather and relate all the kinds of composites they can 

 find. When they have learned how plants in the 

 schoolroom develop, they should apply what has been 

 gained in the investigation of the germination and de- 

 velopment of several plants out-of-doors. 



Here we can and should strongly emphasize (particu- 

 larly with older pupils) practical applications. The 

 study of the dandelion seeds, with their hairy sails, may 

 thus lead to the hairy cotton-seeds and the cultivation 

 and process of manufacture and great value of cotton. 

 From the flax we may pass to linen, and from the sheep 

 to wool and to its manufacture and uses. 



In connection with this step will come many oppor- 

 tunities for supplementary reading. In thus broadening 

 the pupils' ideas, making what they have seen helpful 

 in understanding what they cannot see, but must read 

 about, such books as " Stories of Industry " and King's 

 Geographical Readers are very valuable. (See also 

 Chapter XII.) 



What has been learned in the nature work should 

 also be applied in other school-work. Nature study 

 thus becomes the basis for physical geography, is very 

 helpful in commercial geography, and throws much light 

 on political geography. It may illumine much that the 

 children read. It becomes a foundation for the expres- 

 sive work of the school. 



Teachers and pupils are prone to think that when a 

 subject or topic has been completed, nothing more is to 



