CHAPTER XXV 



SOME TESTS OF PROFICIENCY IN NATURE STUDY 



How shall we make these tests? The require, 

 ments are too intangible for measurement by the 

 usual method. It is not so much " What do you 

 know ? " as " What do you appreciate ? " Not so 

 much the amount and detail of acquired informa- 

 tion, as it is the extent of your ability and willing- 

 ness to continue to acquire. 



From the pupil's standpoint, the following 

 model series of test questions, with answers, that 

 merit high grading, has been given us by Principal 

 Gowing of the Rhode Island normal school : 



Question. — Do you enjoy going on rambles 

 across the fields, through the woods and down the 

 ravines to the meadows and swamps? 



Answer. — Yes, sir. 



Question. — Do you like to pick the flowers, hear 

 the birds sing, and watch all forms of life ? 



Answer. — ^Yes, sir. 



Question. — Do you select from the library and 

 i8i 



