30 TREES IN WINTER 



that lie bound up in a winter twig. The name of a tree and its 

 past and future life, however, form but an introduction to the 

 study of a tree. What are its relations to utility and to human 

 enjoyment, are questions that should not be neglected. The skill- 

 ful teacher will be able to correlate tree study with other work and 

 so direct the natural enthusiasm of children for outdoor observa- 

 tion that it may not become a burden to the daily program. 



An appreciation of natural beauty is a recognized object of nature 

 study. It must in general, however, remain a valuable by-product 

 rather than the immediate object of pursuit. An unreasoning ap- 

 peal to mere wonder and admiration at the beauties of nature is 

 likely to have an effect opposite to that desired. The appeal must 

 come in the way of observations and problems and the problems 

 must be definite. What is the most beautiful single tree, individ- 

 ual group of trees, the most beautiful street or the most beautiful 

 home with tree surroundings in the neighborhood? What are the 

 elements that make them interesting? From what points of view 

 are they most pleasing, and what is it that gives these viewpoints an 

 advantage over others? Such questions, modified to suit the 

 grade of the pupils, have been suggested by Professor Waugh of 

 Amherst, and the writer can confirm their usability with students. 



