144 BOTANICAL GAZETTE [ FEBRUAI 
objects, made by persons with excellent imaginations and a little inaceu r 
information upon several scientific subjects. As a result nature si 
looked upon, in some localities, as a rather frivolous pastime, which is 
any very great importance in the real business of education. There are s a 
eral books, however, which do not attempt to show that all animate obj ject 
are spectacular, but rather attempt to direct attention to the manifestati 
life in our everyday contact with it. It is to the latter kind of me that 
D. a s excellent book belongs.‘ 
‘guiding principle of the book has been that pupils must sea 
examine real objects, not merely their pictures and descriptions. The 
sons are planned with the idea of having pupils obtain their knowledge 
first-hand so far as possible. Part of the work is arranged with reference 
seasons, as “ Life about our homes in the fall,” and “Some forest trees in 
winter conditions,” while other sections deal with particular subjects, bh 
“Geological action of water.” Lessons about many of the common plants 
birds, and mammals are presented in such an attractive style that evel re 
young pupils will doubtless be entertained and instructed by following 
The author’s aim is primarily to cultivate habits of observation; incide 
the pupil will obtain a great deal of valuable information. 
The author says that in order to do good work it is not — 
teacher shall have taken a course in botany, zoology, or geology. It is pe 
ble that much good work may be done by some teachers who have not 
such opportunities; however, it is beyond doubt that elementary science 
in primary and secondary schools has suffered very greatly at the | 
teachers who have attempted to teach science subjects without having ’ 
hecessary preparation for it. The book under discussion will cert 
much toward assisting weak teachers, but we insist that nothing short bd 
ough instruction in these sciences, added to ability to teach, can 
teachers fully competent to handle nature study. —O. W. CALDWEL 
A satisfactory work on fertilizers. 
THE marked increase in the use of commercial fertilizers in the i 
States has given rise to a demand for reliable information regarding 
position and utility of such goods. The official reports of those sat 
have laws regulating the sale of fertilizers give abundant analyses a 
goods actually on the market, but the limits of such reports pe 
discussion of the questions which arise in practice. A great beer 
has been written in regard to feeding both plants and soils. 
matter is in the form of special pleading for some particular 
very little of it is recent or applicable to American conditions. 
*LaNGE, D.: Handbook of nature study. For teachers and pupils in ‘ta 
schools. 12mo. pp. xvi+ 329, fgs. 60. The Macmillan Company: Ret 
