General Methods $7 



be adapted to such conditions, must also be capable 

 of change. Such an ideal method can exist only in 

 the sane mind of the earnest teacher. The only true 

 method is the method arising spontaneously in the 

 mind, that comprehends fundamental principles, and 

 is able to adapt means to ends. The proper use of 

 a method requires (a) intelligence, (b) earnestness, 

 and (c) energy. 



A formal method, such as the one here proposed, 

 may serve other purposes than that for which it is 

 ostensibly intended practical use. Indeed, many 

 apologies would have to be made for presenting such 

 a general formal scheme as this one, if it were not 

 confidently believed that it may lead the teacher (a) 

 to think, (b) to plan, (c) to execute according to his 

 better judgment and the circumstances amid which 

 he is placed. 



Thus, if we realize the fact that the simplest natural 

 object is very imperfectly understood by the wisest 

 among us, and that the way to get a knowledge of it, 

 combined with the power which the getting of that 

 knowledge implies, is to study that object properly, 

 we shall not waste much time in deciding what to 

 study. If our course of study is neither convenient 

 nor practicable for our locality, we need but take 

 that natural object which at the time is convenient 

 and adapted to our grade of work. 



A more difficult question is that as to how to study 

 it (a) how to begin, (b) how to continue, and (c) 

 how to end. The following generalizations may aid 

 us in forming a guide in this the most difficult part of 

 our work. 



Tentative Generalizations and Guiding Propositions. 



1. The most general aim of nature study is to pro- 

 mote normal development. 



2. It is not a mere pastime to be resorted to in 



