OF NATURE STUDY. —21 



a fitialitv, so that each individual is distinguished from all others. When an 

 object has been classified, then, and not till then, can it be defined. The fullness 

 and finality of the definition depend upon the completeness and correctness of 

 the classification. Such a classification can be made only after years of study. 

 This does not mean that a [lupil cannot be taught to use a key and thus find the 

 name of an individual, but such a mechanical operation, though based on the 

 analysis of the object, does not mean what is meant here by classification. We 

 mean by it the actual comparison of the individuals, and the grouping of them 

 into branches, famifies etc., according to their lesemblances and differences, 

 ivitliout the aid of a key. The key should be constructetl by each .t.ludent for 

 iiimself, at least in part. 



Course in Nature Study. 



The clearest exeniplification of the preceding |)rinci])les can be shown most 

 clearly by giving a course of nature study adaplei.1 to the different grades in 

 public schools. Tiie course here given has been prepared by the author for a certain 

 system of schools in a Canadian city, and has been in o[)eralion fora sufficienll}' long 

 time (nearly three yeais) to prove its practicability. It is assumed thioughout 

 that the course will be directly lelated to reading, drawing, and composition, as 

 motles of expression and to geogra[)hy and physiology. Teachers are also 

 expected to limit the analysis of any object of study according to the power of 

 synthesis of her pupils. Accordingly when we say in grade \\. " Review work of 

 [)receding grade," we mean that the analysis will be extended in the higher 

 giade. This will be exemplified later in the outline of a lesson o\\ a parliculai- 

 object, the butterfiy, adapted to eacii of the three slagt!s of mental development, 

 primary, secondary and tertiary. 



FIRST CLASS, Parts I and II. 



Position and appearance of sun, moon and larger stars, observid throughout 

 the year. 



Color of sky at different times under varying conditions. 

 General color o'i landscape at different seasons. 



WINTER. 



Ice and snow, Jack Frost, wind, 



Winter birds, crow, sparrow, chickadee. 



Trees in winter. Comparison of evergreens and deciduous trees. 



Study the domestic animals during the winter. 



At Christmas study holly and mistletoe. 



SPRING .\ND SLMMER. 



Study sap and making maple sugar. 

 Melting of snow and ice. 

 Return of the birds — keep a bird calendar. 

 Food of birds and their actions — singing, nesting. 



Common flowers, e. g., trillium, hepatica, spring beauty, etc.— Names, color, 

 place of growth, time of flowering. 



