In recent years, local Fairs have given prizes to schools for nature 

 collections, and in some places excellent sets have been shown. The 

 weakest point with these has been want of method and uniformity in 

 the preparation of exhibits which should follow some general system, 

 It is very probable that such competitions will be encouraged more and 

 more in future years in connection with the larger Exhibitions as well 

 as at the smaller Fairs, and it is therefore important that there should 

 be some general standard for the guidance of teachers and scholars. 



In the preparation of these instructions assistance has been received 

 from the staff of the Agricultural College. Prof. Lochhead has con- 

 tributed many practical suggestions besides preparing the sections deal- 

 ing with insects and aquaria. Most of the illustrations have been pre- 

 pared for this bulletin by Mr. John Buchanan, B.S.A , of the Experi- 

 mental Department. Thanks are also due to Mr. F. W. Hodson of the 

 Dominion Department of Agriculture for suggestions gained from his 

 pioneer experiences in introducing school children's exhibits in Nature 

 Study at local Fairs. 



This suggestion as to exhibits at local fairs has the hearty sympathy 

 of Mr. H. B. Cowan, Superintendent of Agricultural Societies for Ontario, 

 who is making them one of the important features of exhibitions and 

 fall fairs. Mr. Cowan is now preparing an illustrated pamphlet dealing 

 with this subject. 



