276 NATURE STUDY. 



" Art is the child of Nature ; yes, 

 Her darling child, in whom we trace 

 The features of the mother's face, 

 Her aspect and her attitude, 

 All her majestic loveliness 

 Chastened and softened and subdued 

 Into a more attractive grace, 

 And with a human sense imbued : 

 He is the greatest artist, then, 

 Whether of pencil or of pen, 

 Who follows Nature." 



If we keep constantly in mind the purpose of the 

 literature used in connection with nature study, this 

 will greatly influence or largely determine the selection 

 of literature and the manner of reading or studying it. 

 This purpose is, to give a larger content to ideas which 

 the children have, to clarify their vision and extend 

 their horizon, to help them see new beauties, think 

 greater thoughts, have higher aspirations. 



Teachers who realize the true purpose of literature 

 will have little use for much or most of the so-called 

 poetry with which our educational papers are often 

 filled. Some of this may be useful. Facts and 

 thoughts stated in rhyme, and with some rhythm or 

 " jingle," are often more readily impressed on the 

 memory. Most boys and girls remember much better 

 the number of days in each month after they have 

 " learned by heart " the doggerel, 



" Thirty days have September, 

 April, June, and November; 

 All the rest have thirty-one 



