The Natural History of Chautauqua 



families. A number of other species occur in the region. 

 The woodlands, both hardwood and coniferous, are extensive 

 and varied. There are several hundred species of flowering 

 plants, many ferns, mosses, mushrooms and lichens, and an 

 unusual variety of swampland and aquatic plants. 



Bird Life: There are over one hundred kinds of birds 

 recorded during the summer season on and near the Chau- 

 tauqua Grounds. Many birds nest in boxes and bird-houses 

 provided by the Bird and Tree Club. This club affords many 

 delightful opportunities for furthering and discussing bird 

 study and bird protection. 



Animal Life: The various common animals and insects 

 of the eastern states abound in the Chautauqua region, and 

 are available both for field studies, and as caged in terraria, 

 aquaria, insect cages, school menageries, etc. 



We have almost lost sight of the old " Natural History " 

 in the intense specialization of modern science. It is time 

 for the teacher, and the lover of nature generally, to strive 

 once more towards the breadth of view that characterizes 

 the naturalist. Few Chautauquans want highly specialized 

 sciences : almost all desire a close touch with nature. They de- 

 sire the new understanding of nature furnished by the tech- 

 nical studies of the last twenty-five years. 



The steady growth of interest in Natural History subjects 

 is one of the significant features of the American mind of to- 

 day. This interest has manifested itself in many ways: in 

 nature study in the elementary schools; in biology and the 

 earth sciences in the high schools; in highly specialized 

 courses in the laboratories of our universities; in bird and 

 flower clubs; in state and federal commissions, in biological 

 surveys; in a strikingly long and diversified list of other ac- 

 tivities and organizations. Chautauqua has for many years 

 recognized and provided for the various types of Natural 

 History which integrate with her educational program. 



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