HOW NATURE STUDY SHOULD BE TAUGHT 29 



long a string of synonymous or similar terms signifying pos- 

 session in the legal process. What's mine's my own. An 

 old deed of a small piece of swamp land, which I have lately 

 surveyed at the risk of being mired past recovery, says that 

 "the said Spaulding, his heirs and assigns, shall and may 

 from this (?) time, and at all times forever hereafter, by 

 force and virtue of these presents, lawfully, peaceably, and 

 quietly have, hold, use, occupy, possess, and enjoy the said 

 swamp," etc. 



I like that kind of socialism. I hope the teacher 

 will help your son to get it. We believe in uni- 

 versal ownership here. We want to be rich and 

 noble. Our philosopher Emerson tells us how to 

 do it, and we are trying to tell your boys. 



He who knows what sweets and virtues are in the ground, 

 the waters, the plants, the heavens, and how to come at 

 these enchantments is the rich and royal man. 



I think you will agree with me that it is worth 

 while for your son to be rich and royal. If we 

 are not on the right road to riches and royalty 

 with that lobster, we will get something else, and 

 another teacher with it. 



" Nature is loved by what is best in us,*' further 

 says Emerson. We want to bring out the best in 

 your boy ; we believe that exercise strengthens 

 and develops. We are going to strengthen and 

 develop that "best " by the persistent exercise of 



