THE EDUCATIONAL VALUE OF NATURE-STUDY 13 



will need to make implements and tools to furnish these; 

 he will want conveniences and pleasures above his animal 

 needs; he will be subject to disease and physical accidents, 

 and will need to prevent or remedy them. These stern neces- 

 sities he can meet only if he knows how to do so. The better 

 he understands the laws of nature, the better knowledge 

 he has of the properties and uses of plants and animals 

 and the products of nature, the better he can distinguish 

 between the good and the bad natural agencies, so much 

 better will he be able to live v^ithout cold, hunger, pain, and 

 fear. As long as he acts in accordance with natural laws, 

 all is well; but he is punished for the slightest- transgres- 

 sions. This is seen most obviously in the matter of hygiene. 

 More people die through ignorance of the laws of health 

 than are destroyed in wars. 



