1 68 THE ADVENTURES OF A NATURE GUIDE 



what is important, they have learned that the out- 

 doors is friendly. 



Most people think that the wilderness is a su- 

 premely dangerous place for human beings. They 

 carry through life a handicap of fear of the out- 

 doors. These children learn that the wilds are not 

 only friendly but hospitable; they find ferocious 

 animals only in storybooks, and ere long being out 

 after dark or in the rain is fun. 



A well-known educator recently emphasized the 

 fact that to have a sane and healthful view of life 

 it is necessary to have correct fundamental in- 

 formation concerning natural history; and that 

 this knowledge can be acquired only by intimate 

 contact with nature. 



For two or three hours in a primeval forest we 

 played that we were primitive people. The children 

 had a glimpse of the childhood of our race; learned 

 something of the diet of primitive people; why we 

 have so many domesticated plants. All this 

 started over seeing mushrooms and wondering 

 whether they were poisonous. 



When out with nature the unexpected often 

 happens. If we come upon something well worth 

 while — like a mother bird leading her young from 

 the nest, beavers at play, or a near view of moun- 

 tain sheep — we remain and make the most of this 

 opportunity. 



Each new interest is opportunity. The interest 

 is sometimes heightened by the children abruptly 



