103 
COOPERATION IN NATURE STUDY WITH THE 
PUBLIC SCHOOLS. 
An interesting experiment in bringing the nature study work 
of the public schools of the Bronx closer to nature, was carried 
out at the garden during April and May, by means of illustrated 
lectures, planned to parallel the course of study in the schools, 
which were delivered in the large oo hall of the Museum 
Building. The subject of “ Flowerless Plants’’ was discussed 
by Dr. Marshall A. ie es Curator; ‘Cultivation of 
Plants,” was described by Mr. George V. Nash, Head Gardener ; 
and the “ Classification of Plants’? was discussed by D L 
Britton. These lectures were followed immediately by ee 
strations of the subjects treated, in the museums, in the grounds, 
and in the conservatories, the ete being led in squads of 
fifty or more to objects described in the lectures, and there met 
by demonstrators who emphasized ee features brought 
out in the lectures. 
The experiment was tried in pursuance of the recommendation 
in the “Course of Study in Nature Study, Elementary Science 
and Geography’ adopted by the Board of Education, cure 27, 
1903, to the effect that ‘Classroom work should upple- 
mented by visits to the parks and museums,” and “ ine children 
should be brought into actual contact with the epic of study 
wherever possible, either in or out of the classroom,” and of a 
recommendation made by Dr. Britton in his last annual report to 
the Board of Managers of the Botanical Garden, to the effect that 
it would be desirable to develop a lecture system with special 
reference to the needs of teachers and students in the schools. 
A careful census of the number of children in grade 4 B in the 
public schools in the Bronx, made by the Principals and District 
Superintendents, shows that about 2,300 availed themselves of 
the privilege, each of the three lectures being repeated twice, to 
audiences einen g over he ieee filling the lecture hall. 
e resolutions empowering the ool officials of the Bronx 
to arrange for this work, adopted the Board of Education, 
March 29, 1905, are as follows: 
