H I NATUKE STUDY JN SCHOOLS. 



COMMENT AND CRITICISM. 



On March twenty-fifth, there was a large flight of robins in Newton- 

 ville, Mass., in fact the largest flight which we have seen for years. We 

 saw hundreds of specimens during a walk of less than a mile. In this vi- 

 cinity were a number of hawthorne bushes, or small trees, which were 

 loaded w r ith berries, and upon this fruit, which was in a softened and partly 

 dried condition from the effects of repeated freezings, the robins were feed- 

 ing. This abundance of these berries in this immediate neighborhood, was 

 evidently the cause of the accumulation of this bird, for three days later, 

 in going over the same ground, we saw two or three robins only, while 

 the trees were completely stripped of berries. 



It is worthy of note that the robins seen on the first day were nearly 

 all males and in very bright plumage, showing that they were fully 

 adult birds. We examined scores, with a glass, and nearly every one had 

 the clear bright breast, black head, and yellow bill, characteristics of the 

 fully matured male robin. 



It is gratifying to note that most, if not all, of our State Normal Schools 

 regard nature study as a fundamental branch of education. This will have 

 a vital influence upon the introduction of nature study into schools through- 

 out the State where it is not now taught, for the pupils who graduate from the 

 Normal Schools in the future will feel the necessity of teaching nature study, 

 and upon obtaining positions will doubtless do what they can to advance 

 this branch of education. While we feel sure that school superintendents are 

 fully awake to the idea that nature study is of great benefit to pupils in all 

 grades of schools, they do not always see their way clear to its successful 

 introduction. This is partly due to the lack of good science teachers, and 

 partly to the fact that there is, at present, no established method of study 

 along these lines. To remedy these defects, we would suggest that superin- 

 tendents employ a special science teacher to regulate these matters. Such 

 teachers should, however, be trained for the service and bear a certificate from 

 a state board of examiners, showing that they are competent to fill the po- 

 sition. 



We will appreciate the mention of "Nature Study 7 ' by readers who 

 have occasion to order of firms whose ads. appear in our columns. 



We shall be glad to answer any questions upon scientific sub cts 

 which teachers and others may wish to ask. 



