PREFACE. 



Tliis volume deals with a few of the many natural 

 objects which are found in all parts of Indiana. It is 

 based upon studies made in the fields and woods of 

 the Hoosier State during the past ten years. The aim 

 has been to present, in language which all can under- 

 stand, facts concerning some of the more common 

 plants and animals which are our friends, our helpers 

 and our neighbors and which, like ourselves, are but 

 a part and parcel of the Universe The only technical 

 terms used are the scientific names of some of the ob- 

 jects mentioned. These are printed in Italics and can 

 be readily passed over by all to whom they are unin- 

 telligible. 



The contents have, for the most part, appeared else- 

 where as isolated articles, notably in the Terre Haute 

 Gazette, the Indianapolis Sunday Journal, The Indi- 

 ana Farmer and the Popular Science Monthly. For 

 the present occasion they have, for the first time, been 

 brought together, and have been carefully revised and 

 enlarged. 



The volume is sent forth with the hope that among 

 the farmers of the future and the teachers of country 

 schools it will, at least, have a welcome ; for the author 

 knows by experience, both on the farm and in the 

 school room, that the possession of a better knowledge 

 of nature by country youths is one of the crying needs 



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