FIELD EXCURSIONS. 165 



Model School is printed below. Reference has been made 

 (p. 23) to the objection of parents who do not understand the 

 educational value of properly conducted field excursions. In 

 the example under notice, to inform the parents of the uses 

 to which it is proposed to turn these excursions, Principal 

 Putman addressed the following circular to them : — 



In order that pupils may have opportunity for accurate observation 

 of Nature, each class of Forms I, II, and III will devote ten afternoons 

 from April to October to field work. The regular teacher will divide 

 the class into four groups and give each in charge of a student teacher. 

 The regular teacher will then be free to exercise general supervision. 



It is hoped that the field excursions will furnish a basis for language 

 lessons both oral and written, and also for drawing and color work. 

 While every field day will furnish opportunity for a variety of work 

 and for observation of many phases of nature, yet it is expected that 

 when a class goes out for study the pupils and teachers go with well- 

 defined plans, and with one or more definite objects in view. Where 

 possible, teachers should make a visit to the locality to be studied 

 before they take their classes. 



1. Study of Trees. — Buds, how developed and how unfolded ; leaf 

 forms ; bark of trees ; arrangements of branches, inclination of branches 

 to trunks ; common names of trees. Are certain trees always found in 

 certain places ? Are all trees of the same species of the same general 

 shape ? If not, why not ? 



2. Soil. — By using a strong trowel or spade they will study soil to 

 the depth of a foot or more. Pupils will get an accurate knowledge of 

 such things as humus or vegetable mould, sand, gravel, clay, hard-pan 

 loam, and evidences of animal life in soil. 



3. Plants. — As the wild plants appear the pupils will study them in 

 their natural surroundings. The parts, root, stem, leaf and flower will 

 be carefully examined, habit of plant carefully noted, effect of sun on 

 time of bloom. Specimens may be carried home for use in the next 

 drawing lesson. 



4. Animal Life. — Ever}' wild or domestic animal seen by the pupils 

 will receive some attention. If domestic, its use to men will be noted ; 

 if wild, its home and habits will be an instructive lesson. Birds will 

 receive special attention, and the time between April 1 to May 10, 



