24 THe Ottawa NATURALIST. | April 
attainment and irrational methods, a careful study of various 
educational systems will reveal that there has been a steadily in- 
creasing public demand for a fair amount of Nature Study in ele_ 
mentary schools. 
In England there are definite courses outlined for the various 
grades of the Board schools. -The care and attention bestowed on 
the work is well exemplified in the Murché series of science readers 
and corresponding object lesson books, which contain a carefully 
elaborated sequence adapted to the respective grades. 
Those who investigated the educational exhibits at the 
World’s Fair expositions in Paris in 1890 and 1900 must have 
noted (as the writer did) the great improvement in the content 
and form of Nature Study in public schools in France and else- 
where during the intervening ten years. 
The recommendation of the Committee of Ten quoted above 
shows the view held by the largest and most representative body 
of educators in the United States in 1892, and there is no general 
evidence of a disposition to reverse this decision. 
At the Ontario Educational Association meeting held in To- 
ronto last Easter, the course of Nature Study outlined in Paper 
No. 18 of THe Orrawa Naturatist for October, ’e4, was wnanz- 
mously adopted. This association is composed of representatives 
from every department of educational work in Ontario. 
NaTuRE Srupy REINFORCES OTHER STUDIES. 
It will be found that one hour per week occupied in Nature 
Study is not really taken from other subjects if the work be properly 
correlated. For example, in objective drawing, the first step is | 
to gain an accurate knowledge of the object to be drawn, and the 
time usually occupied in doing this is saved if the object has 
already been investigated in Nature Study lessons, and experience 
shows that children prefer to draw such objects rather than those 
with no previous interest. p 
In conclusion it may be said that there is good reason for the 
assertion that all things being equal a class which devotes an hour 
per week to Nature Study will do better work in other subjects 
and make more rapid progress than if they devoted their entire 
time to these subjects. 
