EQUIPMENT AND METHODS xvii 



study botany with the idea that it is to be of future use, that 

 it may help to earn a livelihood, that it may contribute to the 

 joy of living. 



Botany should be taught differently from most subjects. 

 History may be more or less complete, truthful records and de- 

 ductions ; mathematics may be exact ; but natural science implies 

 doubt, and the pupils should approach the experiment with 

 doubt and with the determination to secure an honest result. 

 Of course, the pupil cannot be expected to test every statement 

 in the literature, most of these experiments must be left for 

 another and more advanced worker ; but doubt is one of the solid 

 foundation stones of scientific work. No one will ever fully 

 appreciate or enjoy any science who does not approach the sub- 

 ject armed with an interrogation point. 



The order of the subjects and experiments will depend on 

 the pleasure and judgment of the teacher. It is not always 

 necessary to follow the outline given in this or any other book. 

 Begin with any topic to suit your own ideas. Most teachers will 

 find it desirable to work from the known to the unknown, but 

 the problematical side should be kept clearly in view. The 

 experiments should be prepared with the greatest possible care 

 and accuracy; and originality in apparatus and method should 

 be encouraged. The interpretations and conclusions drawn by 

 the students should be carefully guarded by the teacher. As 

 much attention should be given to the control or check as to the 

 experiment itself. The records should be full and complete and 

 both drawings and records should be accurate and neat. 



Mechanical methods, the rock on which nature study was 

 wrecked, should be avoided. All work should have an objective. 

 Devise or select exercises from other books, use other materials 

 than those suggested, or any and all other possible methods to 

 prevent " rule of thumb " work. 



One of the oldest devices in teaching botany was the making 



