52 Education through Nature 



properly regulated, that the pupil learns to estimate 

 his powers correctly, to realize his weaknesses, and 

 to gain that self-control, amid all vicissitudes, which 

 constitutes the practical demonstration of character. 



The physiological explanation of this is, perhaps, 

 to be found in the fact that the laws of nature are 

 uniform. Consequently physiological reactions to 

 similar forces and influences must also be uniform. 

 Hence the nervous system acquires a specific quality 

 of organization which underlies stability of character. 

 Human society, cut loose from nature and guided by 

 fluctuating feelings and motives, does not offer that 

 constancy to nervous reactions. Hence stability of 

 character should hardly be expected as a result of 

 social intercourse alone. The latter tends, rather, to 

 develop that nervous state from which nothing can 

 be safely predicted. 



The pupil's physical health has much to do with 

 the development of will and self-reliance, and hence, 

 also, with the development of character. A stunted 

 and diseased body is often the cause of moral depravity. 

 Not by physical torture is the mind and soul purified, 

 any more than the choicest apples are to be gathered 

 from a rotten tree. Let the pupil's health, therefore, 

 be attended to. Remember that states of the body 

 react upon the mind. Proper light, proper positions 

 when at work, and proper activity in the field should 

 be insisted upon. Nature study out of doors is the 

 best of tonics. 



Knowledge Gained in Nature Study. 



Scientific results cannot be expected in natur%tudy. 

 The acquisition of knowledge should not be made its 

 chief or only aim. In the teacher's mind the pupil 

 should take precedence of the facts to be imparted. 

 Natural growth, in physical and intellectual power, 

 should be considered paramount. This attained, 



