94 JOURNAL AND PROCEEDINGS. 



But while I would thus advocate the special study of our own 

 history, we must not forget the history of the land from which our 

 forefathers came, as so much of our own history is involved in it. 

 However if the interest is properly aroused in our own, as a conse- 

 quence it will soon follow that the scholar will want to extend his 

 studies in the direction of the history of the older countries, and 

 moreover, I think he will find the study less irksome when taken up 

 under those circumstances. 



Another branch of study that should be more encouraged is 

 that which we as members of this Association are particularly inter- 

 ested in — the study of the geology, fauna and fl.ora of our own land, 

 and this also is work for the domestic school in particular. On 

 other occasions I have presented my views on the subject, views 

 which I am sure will be echoed, and in fact have been already often 

 dealt with by other members of the Association, but in view of the 

 pertinency of the subject a further reference will be in order now. 



The particular point that I would dwell on is that not only is 

 the study of natural history in all its branches of value from the in- 

 terest attached to the objects of this study, but the fact that they are 

 best studied in the open air, necessitating long walks or drives, is 

 alone of great benefit, especially when it draws those whose occupa- 

 tions are inclined to keep them too closely confined, away from their 

 toil and worry, consequently when these branches are being studied 

 in the domestic school as they should be, the parents who take a 

 proper interest in their children's lessons will reap this benefit, thus 

 carrying out my garden simile in an additional way. Another very 

 important argument in favor of the study of natural science is that 

 it cultivates the child's powers of observation, and thus gives them 

 another great aid to happiness. 



I think no better instances of the value of the life devoted to 

 this study could be found than is presented by some of our worthy 

 members. One I know of was failing in health and was ordered to 

 give up business and keep in the open air. This gentleman, who is 

 now residing in another city, when he was ordered to stay out of 

 doors as much as possible, accordingly devoted himself to entomology, 

 and so thoroughly that he was able by his contributions to scientific 

 journals to enhance the happiness of his friends while he now holds 

 an important position in connection with his chosen study. 



