6 ETON NATURE-STUDY 



their names entered upon a specially prepared map or plan. It may 

 be useful for observations which have been recorded to be promi- 

 nently before the eye for a week, or may be for a season. This can 

 very well be done by means of a map and flag labels, the staves 

 of which are large needles. (See figure 3.) 



In detailed local work and the scientific study of some special 

 branch, it is necessary to have specimens, or a working collection, as 

 it is called, but the indiscriminate killing and hoarding of creatures, 

 or the taking of scarce specimens just because they are rare, is to 

 be avoided and condemned. 



Note: In the lessons which follow the preparations to be made beforehand 

 are first indicated and directions for the pupil are then given. 



The work is so arranged that each pupil in a class shall observe individually. 

 Little direct information should be imparted by the teacher, who must supplement 

 the directions by judicious questioning. 



So far as possible the various points should be noted one by one, each under its 

 own heading. This and the introduction of drawings permits of the observations 

 being easily checked, while the use of a large note-book (say 11 in. by 8 in., see 

 Appendix, page 148) allows for the addition of corrections. 



Suggestions are made here and there for work out of school, in addition to the 

 chapters, which have been specially written with a view to its encouragement. 



Some idea is also given as to how a lesson may be continued or supplemented, 

 but in many cases the work of doing this, has been left to the teacher. 



The lessons are planned so as to occupy about an hour ; but it is quite possible and 

 advisable in many cases to bring in the observations given under a single number, as a re 

 from ordinary school ivork unexpectedly or at a prearranged time. 



