THE EVOLUTION OF NATURE GUIDING 249 



others to good nature literature. And many of 

 the eloquent nature lectures and much of the out- 

 door literature of the world may in the nature of 

 things be produced by nature guides. 



It is not necessary for a guide to be a walking 

 encyclopedia. He does not need to impose theories 

 from printed authorities nor to consider nature 

 books infallible; but a knowledge of the leading 

 nature and scientific books should be a part of his 

 equipment and may become a part of the enjoy- 

 ment of those whom he interests. And, also, the 

 nature guide should know Shakespeare and many 

 of the great poems. 



A nature guide is not a guide in the ordinary 

 sense of the word, and is not a teacher. At all 

 times, however, he has been rightfully associated 

 with information and some form of education. 

 But nature guiding, as we see it, is more inspirational 

 than informational. 



Vigilance in discouraging the picking of wild 

 flowers is essential in any guide. 



The nature guide arouses interest by dealing in 

 big principles — not with detached and colourless 

 information. He illustrates the principles of pol- 

 lination, evolution, glaciation, migration of birds, 

 mutual aid, and the fundamental forces of nature 

 wherever he goes. He deals with the manners 

 and customs of bird and animal life — the deter- 

 mining influences of their environment and their 

 respondent tendencies — rather than with their 



