1905 | Nature Stupy—No. 22. 23 
THe EpucaTionaL VALUE OF NATURE Strupy JUSTIFIES | 
RECOGNITION. 
‘Let us next briefly inquire what Nature Study has to offer in 
consideration of the granting of time (even though it be but one 
hour per week) which is much needed for other important subjects. 
In this connection it is important to remember that Natural Science 
during the past fifty years has undergone a complete transforma- 
tion as regards the attitude of the investigator, the methods of in- 
vestigation, the nature of the facts learned, and the relative 
importance of the subject to the welfare of humanity. This is 
the fundamental reason why Nature Study has come to stay, aud 
eventually to receive educational recognition even though all its 
present advocates were to keep silent. The time must come when 
all thinking men wili agree that at every stage education must be 
naturalistic as well as humanistic if the best results are to be 
achieved. The advantages of Nature Study have been fully dealt 
with in previous articles, and I shall refer only briefly to them in 
passing. From the standpoint of physical health Nature Study 
has much to commend it. On the side of discipline the subject 
when properly treated affords an excellent gymnasium for the 
formation of desirable habits, of sense perception, memory, im- 
agination and thought, and for emotional and volitional develop- 
ment. As a preparation for citizenship the knowledge, insight 
and power ot appreciation gained from such study is indispen- 
sible. The theory that ‘the highest study of man is that which 
relates to his own nature and destiny and that the investigations 
of physical science are presumptuous and sterile,”’ has given place 
to a more rational conception which realizes that man can be 
studied in the best way only when he is viewed in relation to his 
environment and to the needs of his fellow men. It is no longer 
considered zzfra dig. for an educated man to have a practical 
knowledge of manual activities and to take a lively interest in 
every day affairs. 
PuBLIC SENTIMENT IN Favor OF NATURE STUDY. 
While public sentiment is wisely conservative regarding the 
necessity of giving proper time and attention to the humanities and 
the mathematics and is Opposed to extreme views, superficial 
