The Teaching of Nature-Study 



23 



The meetings of the Junior NaturaHsts Clubs, as organized in the 

 schools of New York State by Mr. John W. Spencer, were most impres- 

 sive. The school session would be brought to a close, the teacher stepping 

 down and taking a seat with the pupils. The president of the club, some 

 bashful boy or slender slip of a girl would take the chair and conduct the 

 meeting with a dignity and efficiency worthy of a statesman. The order 

 was perfect, the discussion much to the point. I confess to a feeling of 

 awe when I attended these meetings, conducted so seriously and so 

 formally, by such youngsters. Undoubtedly, the parliamentary training 

 and experience in speaking impromptu, are among the chief benefits of 

 such a club. 



These clubs may be organized for special study. In one bird club of 

 which I know there have been contests. Sides were chosen and the 

 number of birds seen from May ist to 31st inclusive was the test of 

 supremacy. Notes on the birds were taken in the field with such care, 

 that when at the end of the month each member handed in his notes, they 

 could be used as evidence of accurate identification. An umpire with the 

 help of bird manuals decided the doubtful points. This year the score 

 stood 79 to 81. 



The programs of the nature club should be varied so as to be continually 

 interesting. Poems and stories, concerning the objects studied, help 

 make the program attractive. 



