III. FIELD STUDY 



" Is not the biological laboratory which leaves out the ocean 

 and the mountains and meadows a monstrous absurdity ? Was 

 not the greatest scientific generalization of your times reached 

 independently by two men who were eminent in their familiarity 

 with living things in their homes ? " BROOKS, 1899, p. 41. 



IN taking up field work, or any other kind of com- 

 plex study, a definite working plan is of much value. 

 For this reason this subject deserves more than a 

 mere mention. Such a plan greatly aids in keeping 

 in mind the general aim of the study, and particularly 

 the lesser aims which develop with the analysis of 

 the subject. It further aids in the proper orientation 

 and subordination of allied subjects which crowd in 

 from all directions. 



For many students it is a good plan to make out a 

 general outline of any proposed study as soon as 

 possible after the work has been started. In the be- 

 ginning it is difficult to realize the radiating relations 

 of a subject, and the attempt at such plans aids 

 in the perception of these relationships and becomes 

 an important guide. Such an outline will need 

 several revisions, but these changes will come with 

 a broadening and deepening grasp of the subject. 

 Perhaps the greatest value of such a plan is that 

 it facilitates the conscious effort to seek a defi- 



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