EXAMINATIONS. 33 



reasoner. Attached to the pages in appropriate places were 

 drawings from the objects used or pieces of glass exhibiting the 

 fracture, grinding, "passe-par-touting," silvering, etching, 

 etc., done by the owner of the book. To the so-called prac- 

 tical part were appended library gleanings, due credit to the 

 sources being given, of interesting facts connected with the 

 manufacture, chemistry or history of glass. 



Investigation studies so difficult as these could not be done 

 by young children, not that maples and glass as subjects of 

 study are too difficult but because the treatment is beyond 

 them. They show, however, the use and place of record-books. 

 Perhaps it is unnecessary to observe here that while the 

 Nature Study method was closely adhered to in these lessons 

 the scientific attitude of the adult student was unavoidable. 



Examinations. — If these records are strictly truthful 

 accounts of what the pupil has done himself, they may be used 

 as the basis of a partial examination. Composition, writing, 

 drawing and other arts may be judged from the Nature Study 

 record-books but Nature Study itself very imperfectly. Still 

 less can the efficiency of a class in this subject be tested by 

 oral or written examinations. These may test knowledge 

 but Nature Study's aims are to create and foster interest, to 

 strengthen observing and reasoning powers, and to increase 

 sympathy and happiness. These results cannot be measured 

 by written examinations, and only in a very limited way by the 

 term records. It is easier to show how examinations and 

 prizes may work injury to Nature Study than to show how 

 they may benefit it, a contention that may be granted without 

 denying them the slightest use under any circumstances. 



